Jose Ramirez is a Cleveland sports legend, and that’d be true even if he never threw an epic punch on August 5, 2023.
But he did, and that makes the Guardians’ third baseman that much more beloved.
Two years later, it’s just something fun to look back on.
Ramirez slid headfirst into second base and found himself beneath White Sox infielder Tim Anderson, who didn’t seem to appreciate where Ramirez was positioned. A shoving match ensued, and after an initial thought by the umpire to break it up, he stepped out of the way.
Anderson and Ramirez squared up. While Anderson took a good swing, it was Ramirez who landed the knockout with a strong right hand.
On this very day, August 5th, two years ago….
“DOWN GOES ANDERSON!”
“DOWN GOES ANDERSON!!”— McNeil (@Reflog_18) August 5, 2025
That’s not a memory that will soon be forgotten.
What makes this even better is everything else Ramirez has done in his Cleveland career. He recently joined the 275-homer, 275-steal club – one of fewer than 20 players in MLB history to accomplish that feat.
The switch-hitter has never won an AL MVP, but he’s finished second once, third twice, fourth once, fifth once, sixth once and 10th once in the voting. Ramirez is a true superstar, even if he flies under the radar playing in Cleveland instead of a bigger market.
From Utility Player to Superstar
He came up from the minor leagues as a soft-hitting utility infielder. Somehow, he grew into a guy who’ll have a legitimate Hall of Fame case when all is said and done.
And along the way, he threw the most convincing punch in Cleveland sports history.
Ramirez will be a fan favorite long after he hangs up his cleats. The numbers speak for themselves, but it’s moments like that August afternoon that really cement a legacy.
