Ballplayer Manny Ramirez becomes US citizen.

The Boston Globe ^ | May 12, 2004 | Nick Cafardo

[My Dog Likes Me]

Manny Ramirez became an American on Monday. This piece is a classic. The mention was stuck in the "Red Sox Notes" section of the Globe, but worth a read anyways, when you find it.

--START OF EXTRACT

"Flag-waving Ramirez Returns"

"Slugger relishes a proud moment."

Manny Ramirez, who became a naturalized citizen in a ceremony at Miami Convention Center Monday, returned to the team and played left field, going 0 for 3 with a walk.

"I'm very proud to be an American citizen," said Ramirez, "I needed to go in there and take care of it. It took about two hours, but it was very nice. I did it and I'm very happy to be a citizen now."

He also kidded, "Now they can't kick me out of the country."

As the players took the field before the game, Ramirez carried a miniature flag as he ran to left field. He then went over to the stands and handed the flag to a spectator.

When he came up to bat for the first time, the song, "Proud to be an American" was played on the stadium PA, and Ramirez received a long standing ovation.

"I am so proud of Manny," said Pedro Martinez...

--END OF EXTRACT

[My Dog Likes Me]

I hope y'all can look up the full item in the Red Sox Notes section of the Globe.

[NYCVirago]

I'm glad you posted this. I read this online yesterday. As a Yankee fan, I normally don't have much good to see about Red Sox players ;), but I have to say that I was very impressed by both Pedro and Manny's comments in this article.

[My Dog Likes Me]

Thanks. I must say that the photo of Manny running out of the dugout holding the flag was very moving to me. I wish I could post it here (don't know how!). It was in the Globe, and another version was in the Boston Herald.

In an age when our athletes are being arrested each week for something, this was very nice to see.

See you and your Yankees in September (I hope!). ;-)

[Paradox]

I saw a couple of days ago that a famous old-school Latin-American singer (El Puma) became an American Citizen as well. He loves this country as well.

[rabidralph]

Pamela Anderson became an American citizen recently, too. Although she will retain her canadian citizenship.

[My Dog Likes Me]

In a week of otherwise awful news, Manny gave me a well-needed lift. Pedro's remarks were nice, too. They seem like decent, well-grounded men.