Ramirez became the first player in Cleveland history to reach 250 stolen bases + 250 home runs

Standing on second base on Thursday's 10th inning, José Ramírez heard the chorus of his teammates in the Guardians' breakout. The third baseman smiled when he pointed to the big screen at Progressive Field, a milestone moment in baseball history.

After stealing second base in the 10th inning, Ramirez became the first player in Cleveland franchise history to reach 250 career base steals + 250 home runs. The achievement paved the way for the Guardians to victory: Angel Martínez's bye hit helped them run back to home plate as the team won 4-3 over the Twin Cities.

The win capped off a six-win, four-loss run for the Guardians' home trip, with two rain interruptions totaling two hours and 23 minutes delayed.

"I was laughing," Ramirez said through the team's interpreter, Agustin Rivero, "and it was a wonderful moment, especially to see everyone in the lounge cheering me on." "

In addition to being the first-ever player in the team's history, Ramirez has achieved the following in his 13th season in the major leagues:

• The 24th player in MLB history to hit a 250 home run + 250 pirates
• Second left-right shooter (tied with Carlos Beltrán)
• The first to reach the third baseman position (35% of the games at 3th base).
• Fourth single-team finisher (Robin Youngt/Robin Yount/Brewers; Craig Biggio/Astros; Derek Kiter/Derek Jeter/Yankee)

"It's a lot of fun to watch," Guardians coach Stephen Vogt said, "and it's a testament to the hard work and continued excellence... He keeps refreshing the wall of honor, and I enjoy witnessing it. "

Ramirez (who just moved up to second place on second base against the Yankees on April 21) shone in the 10th inning. He hit a chase to send back to auto-runner Steven Kwan, then faced a 1-1 shot from Twins pitcher Justin Topa to Kyle Manzardo and stole to second base with a header to get to base before shortstop Carlos Correa touched the base.

"I'm very happy to have reached the record," Ramirez said, "but most of all thank God for keeping me healthy." Milestones are important, but what's more important for me is to keep playing and winning. I still feel young and believe I can continue to be in shape. "

When Martinez pinpointed the ball through the three-game defense to form a right field hit, Ramirez, who had already started to rush to third base, easily ran back to home plate to score.

This is Martinez's second season after making his major league debut on June 22 last year. He confessed that he had the privilege of learning from Ramirez: "This is the best example for young players. It was an invaluable experience to see first-hand how he prepared and competed every day. "

Between 2016 and 2024, Ramirez averaged 38 second base hits, 27 home runs, 25 stolen bases and 94 RBIs per year. Last season, he was just one home run and one second base hit to become only the second player after Alfonso Soriano to hit 40+ second base/40+ home runs/40+ stolen bases in a single season.

In addition to the staggering stats, Ramirez's high attendance rate, which averaged 141 games a year over the same period, was also crucial. He always manages his physical condition with a professional attitude.

"You have to take good care of your body every day," says Walter, "and keep refining all aspects of your technique." José lives these principles day in and day out, setting a benchmark for the whole team. That's what we hold dear – to stay at the top for a long time, you have to keep evolving, and he's a great example. "

In the Cleveland Media Room after the game, a display box containing the game's second base bag was placed in front of Ramirez. He said the bag will be treasured along with the other three commemorative bags of his career.

Guardians outfielder Jhonkensy Noel summed up the greatness of his teammates in the locker room: "When we talk about Jose, we're talking about the best of all time (GOAT). "