Boston's quirky slugger was credited with a single for what he thought was a home run in Game 5 of the AL championship series on Thursday night.
The Red Sox slugger hit a high drive to center field on the first pitch from Indians left-hander C.C. Sabathia in the third inning. The ball was just out of Grady Sizemore's reach, and it appeared to hit the yellow line that runs across the top of the 9-foot wall before bouncing back into the field.
Ramirez, who angered some of the Indians by posing after a homer in Game 4, left the batter's box slowly and jogged up the first-base line. He tried to slap hands with Boston first-base coach Luis Alicea as he rounded the bag.
Right-field umpire Paul Emmel never signaled for a home run on the drive, which scored David Ortiz. According to Jacobs Field ground rules, a ball must travel over the yellow line in order to be considered a home run. A smudge could be seen on the yellow line where the ball hit.
"It hit the wall and bounced back," said 9-year-old Tyler Coffman, who had his glove up and ready to catch the ball if it had come over the line. "I was ready to catch, but glad I couldn't because that would have meant it was a home run for Boston."
Ramirez motioned for a timeout and was held back by Alicea as he went to talk to the umpires. Red Sox manager Terry Francona ran out onto the field to argue, and the umpires discussed the call for a few minutes before ruling it would stand and Ramirez would have to stay at first.
Replays appeared to show the ball touching the line, but not going over.
It was Manny being Manny yet again. His pose Tuesday night rubbed some of the Indians the wrong way, though Ramirez - a former Indian - said he meant no disrespect.
And when asked on Wednesday's off day whether he had confidence in the Red Sox, Ramirez said, "It doesn't happen, so who cares? There's always next year. It's not like it's the end of the world." Francona brushed off any controversy before Thursday night's game, saying he took the remarks as Ramirez trying to show the team was in good spirits.
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