HOUSTON — Manny Ramirez hit the most home runs of his 19-year major league career — 555, to be exact.
On Friday night at Daikin Park, the 12-time All-Star enjoyed watching someone else go to the yard as his son Lucas Ramirez hit two homers for Brazil against the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
Lucas Ramirez hit a leadoff homer, then added another solo shot in the eighth inning.
Like father, like son.
The 20-year-old sent Logan Webb’s second pitch into the seats in right field to cut the Americans’ lead to 2-1 after Aaron Judge hit a two-run shot in the top of the inning. Ramirez’s blast in the eighth off Gabe Speier got Brazil up 8-5.
“I was looking forward to him doing something special,” Manny Ramirez told The Associated Press after his son’s first homer. “So, he’s been working hard all year and I’m proud of him.”
Lucas Ramirez plays for Brazil because his mother, Juliana Ramirez, was born and raised in Sao Paulo. He was at the ballpark Friday night and cheered after a leadoff homer.
“This is the best day of my life, to be honest,” said Lucas Ramirez. “My mother does not make it to all these games because she is at home with my brother. My father plays many games. I am very thankful that my family came to see me play.”
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-for-13.
He said he was watching himself score a goal in his first WBC match since the qualifiers.
“It’s really crazy what happened,” he said. “For five months, every time before I went to sleep, after I prayed, I visualized it. And it happened. That’s why, I don’t know if you can see me running the bases, I said: ‘I told you so,’ because I visualized it and it happened.”
Lucas Ramirez said he uses being seen a lot to deal with the pressure of having a famous dad.
“Having Manny Ramirez as a father, obviously it’s a good thing and a bad thing,” he said. “It’s a little difficult, everyone expects too much. That’s why I probably visualize and … I say things because I have to paint my picture. I have to be Lucas Ramirez and I have my way.”
Manny Ramirez, a two-time World Series champion and 2004 World Series MVP, would have been happy to see his son homer against any team, but it was extra special for him to do it against one of the top teams in the league.
“Oh yeah, they’re No. 1,” she said.
And he thinks the big night will give his son a boost for next season.
“It will be very special for him because that will give him – he will be ready for the season,” Ramirez said. “I hope you do well.”
Lucas Ramirez wears No. 24 his father wearing most of his work. And Manny Ramirez was very happy to see his son succeed.
“I’m proud of him,” he said. “I thank God for this opportunity.”
