Updates
Sat, May 17th 2008, 13:05
It's Official: Hanley signs 6 year deal
The Marlins could’ve held the Hanley Ramirez press conference within the air-conditioned comforts of Dolphin Stadium in Broward.
Instead, the richest contract in Marlins history was announced on a hot Saturday morning in an abandoned little-league baseball field at the epicenter of Miami.
That’s because for the future Miami Marlins, this is their fan base. And all throughout the season, the organization has said that fan base is the most important thing.
“I think [the fans] know our sincerity and desire,” owner Jeffrey Loria said about the anticipation of fans for the Marlins to lock up a big-time player. “We have a very interesting team right now, and we’re trying to have more permanence.
“Stability and permanence — those are two very important things.”
Ramirez was joined by Loria, manager Fredi Gonzalez, president David Samson and president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest when he signed a six-year, $70 million deal. Considering the deal cut into three years of his free agency and the MLB Players Association felt he could have received more money, it was a sign Ramirez likes it in South Florida.
Comments
J.R. Faulkner | on 29/5/08
Hanley is the best athlete in the big leagues.
Q & A
Got a Question for Hanley Ramirez? Ask it here.
