Lucas Ramirez Homers for Brazil in WBC with dad Manny Ramirez watching

Manny Ramirez hit numerous home runs during his 19-year major league career – 555, to be exact. Friday night at Daikin Park, the 12-time All-Star enjoyed watching someone else take the field when his son Lucas Ramirez hit a leadoff home run for Brazil against the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Like father, like son. The 20-year-old sent Logan Webb’s second pitch into the right field seats to cut the Americans’ lead to 2-1 after Aaron Judge hit a two-run shot in the top of the inning. “I was looking forward to him doing something special,” Manny Ramirez told the Associated Press. “So he’s worked so hard all year and I’m proud of him.” Lucas Ramirez plays for Brazil because his mother, Juliana Ramirez, was born and raised in São Paulo. She was at the stadium on Friday evening and beaming after her son’s great success. The younger Ramirez was a 17th-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels in the 2024 draft and spent last season playing in Class A, hitting .266 with three homers, 30 RBIs and six stolen bases. He also played for Brazil in the 2026 WBC qualifiers and went 5 out of 13. Two-time World Series champion and 2004 World Series MVP Manny Ramirez would have been thrilled to see his son score against any team, but it made it more special for him to do so against one of the best teams in the tournament. “Oh yeah, they’re No. 1,” he said. And he thinks this great success will give his son a boost for the coming season. “It’s going to be more special for him because it’s going to give him — he’s going to be ready for the season,” Ramirez said. “I hope he does good.” Lucas Ramirez wears the number 24 that his father wore for most of his WBC career. And Manny Ramirez is thrilled to see his son succeed. “I’m proud of him,” he said. “Thank God for this opportunity he has.” Associated Press reporting.