Former Detroit Tigers Catcher Wilson Ramos Officially Retires from Baseball
By Chris Schad | 2 hours ago
April 11, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA — Detroit Tigers catcher Wilson Ramos (40) is pictured rounding the bases after launching a home run in the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. (Credit: Ken Blaze–Imagn Images)
While the Detroit Tigers stumbled over the weekend by dropping a series to the Cincinnati Reds, there’s still plenty of reason for optimism. With one of the best records in baseball, the Tigers are eyeing a return to the postseason and could be on track to win their first AL Central title since 2014.
But amid their current success, news from a familiar name from the past has drawn attention. Former Tigers catcher Wilson Ramos officially announced his retirement from professional baseball on Sunday.
A Veteran Hangs Up His Cleats
Ramos, 37, played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball and last appeared in the big leagues in 2021, splitting time between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians. Despite brief stints with other teams, Ramos maintained a special connection with the Tigers throughout his career.
Originally a Minnesota Twins prospect, Ramos was traded to the Washington Nationals during his rookie season. He spent seven years in D.C., compiling a .268/.313/.430 batting line and earning an All-Star nod in 2016. He later signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017.
His journeyman path continued with a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018, followed by two seasons with the New York Mets. Ramos eventually joined the Tigers in 2021, where he appeared in 35 games, hitting .200 with six home runs and 13 RBIs. After being released, he briefly signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers but never returned to MLB action.
He wrapped up his playing career with stints in Mexico’s Acereros de Monclova and with the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League.
The Present and the Future
While Ramos steps away from the game, the Tigers remain well-equipped at catcher, thanks to the contributions of Jake Rogers and rising talent Dillon Dingler. Detroit will aim to get back on track as they prepare to open a three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.
Ramos’s retirement may mark the end of a notable chapter, but Tigers fans will remember his contributions — especially during a period of transition for the franchise — with appreciation.
Leave a Reply