Chasing The Dream: The Nick Ramirez Story and Interview

Before Nick Ramirez was even drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 4th round of the 2011 draft he had already made a name for himself in the college ranks as one of the nation’s top two-way baseball players. Find out inside the importance of At Bat Music and how Nick prepared for 2012 this off-season.

Nick Ramirez: Quick Stats

Team: Milwaukee Brewers Twitter: @NickRamirez3314

Height: 6′ 3″, Weight: 225 lb. Born:August 1, 1989 in Anaheim, California, US (Age 22)

Drafted:  Milwaukee Brewers  in the 4th round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft

Favorite Player Growing Up: Ken Griffey Jr

Chasing The Dream: The Nick Ramirez Story

Before Nick Ramirez was even drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 4th round of the 2011 draft he had already made a name for himself in the college ranks as one of the nation’s top two-way baseball players. A first baseman in the field, Ramirez also excelled for the Cal State Fullerton Titans on the mound, serving as the teams shut down closer. In our feature this week we take a look back at the college career of Nick Ramirez as well as his debut in the pro ranks last season with the Brewers organization. Ramirez is just getting started in professional baseball but could move fast through the professional ranks with his power bat, something that any major league lineup always is looking for.

Becoming a member of the Cal State Fullerton Titans baseball team in 2009, Ramirez immediately made an impact. Playing primarily as a DH for the Titans, Ramirez started in 39 games for the team. He hit .287 and belted 10 home runs over that period driving in 39 RBI’s. That’s not all he did however, Ramirez also contributed on the mound with a 3-1 record and seven saves out of the Titans bullpen. After the season he was named to Baseball America’s second team and was also named a member of the All-Big West Conference first team. These accolades were just the first of many for Ramirez in his Titan career.

Ramirez saw time at both Helena and Wisconsin in his pro-debut season of 2011

After the college season had ended Ramirez and Titan teammate Noe Ramirez had the honor of being named to Team USA. They were able to play in the University Baseball Championships in Japan. The USA Team came home with a silver medal.  For Ramirez he continued to see time on the mound and at the plate. During his time with Team USA the 1st Baseman hit .290 with 2 home runs an 14 RBI’s. He also appeared in 4 games on the mound and went 0-1 with a 1.59 ERA and picked up 1 save. Ramirez not only had the honor of representing his country but it also provided him with some valuable experience against the worlds best young players. As 2010 season came to and end Ramirez prepared for his junior season, the 1st baseman/closers stock was rising as a future draft prospect.

 In 2011 Ramirez continued his strong play as a hitter and a pitcher. He led the  team offensively with 9 home runs, 49 RBI, 17 doubles, 32 walks even though his batting average dipped slightly to .291. On the mound he appeared in 22 games and finished the season 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA. Ramirez was a perfect 16-for-16 in saves conversions for the season. The combination of these stats earned the Titan star the honor of being named Big West Conference Player of the Year.

As his college career came to an end his professional career began quickly. The Milwaukee Brewers selected Ramirez in the 4th round of the 2011 draft, he quickly signed and received a reported 240,000 dollars signing bonus to join the Brewers organization. Signing quickly can really benefit a young player as it gives them valuable in-game experience during their draft year. Ramirez definitely benefited by getting into game action. The Brewers assigned him to Helena of the Pioneer League at the end of June, he wouldn’t be there for long however. Appearing in just 22 games for the Helena Brewers, Ramirez swung a hot bat. Over the course of 103 at bats, Ramirez hit .369 and belted 8 home runs.  He also had an extremely high OPS at 1.072. The Brewers challenged Ramirez with a promotion at the end of July. Ramirez would spend the rest of the season with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest league. Going up against more seasoned competition Ramirez numbers cooled off with the Rattlers. During his stint with the Rattlers Ramirez went on to hit .197 with 3 home runs and 23 RBI’s.

With camps in full swing all across major league baseball Ramirez looks to continue to move through the Brewers system. In the off-season the Brewers lost a power hitting 1st baseman in Prince Fielder. One day in the future Brewers fans could be saying Prince who? As Nick Ramirez could be the next big power hitting 1st baseman to wear the Brewers jersey. We will be following Nick all season long as he climbs the ladder in the Brewers system. You can follow Nick on Twitter @NickRamirez3314 as he is very active and enjoys interacting with his fans and followers. If you like what you have read you can follow us on Twitter @CTD_Sypien to get updates on articles as well as in season updates on performances of our featured players.

Seven Questions with Nick Ramirez

What was it like to be drafted, what were you doing when you found out? 

It was such a great feeling to be selected in the draft and also a goal that I set for myself when I was younger. I can’t explain how happy I was to hear my name announced,  I just feel blessed that this is what I get to do for a living. Actually during the draft I was at home and had the draft up on my computer.

Besides playing baseball at Cal St Fullerton you also had the opportunity to play on Team USA. How did it feel to be able to represent your country and is there a moment in your USA career that stands out?

It was awesome to play for the USA team. That was also a goal that I set out for myself. It was such a great experience to get to travel all the places we did and play against the other countries. The one moment that stands out is probably the game vs Chinese Taipei in Japan, we went 11 innings and in the bottom of the 11th I had a walk off hit to win the game. That day also happened to be my birthday.

What was the hardest part for you transitioning from College to Professional Baseball?

I’d have to say going from playing three-five times a week to playing everyday was the toughest part.

Power is obviously a big part of your game. You hit 11 homers last year after you were drafted. Can you tell us a bit about the rest of your game?

I pride myself in my defense also and this off-season I dedicated myself to working on quickness and range. I don’t find myself to be the typical power hitter I like to think of myself as more of a complete hitter because I can also hit for average. I did play at CSUF so play me in a shift and I can get sneaky and lay one down the third base line haha!

2012 is your first spring training! What are your personal goals heading into 2012?

I’m just going to go out there and perform to the best of my abilities. I’m excited to see my hard work pay off.

2012 will also be your first full season in professional baseball, What have you done this offseason to prepare yourself for the grind of an entire year?

This is the first time I have had a complete “offseason” and I dedicated this offseason to getting my body into shape and dieting to cut body fat. I knew that it was up to me to do it no one else and that motivated me. I would consider this to be the hardest I have ever worked to get in shape in my life.

What was your most memorable moment of your first season with the brewers?

It would have to be getting a hit in my first professional at bat and then shortly followed by my first professional call up. Both were great accomplishments.

A Few for Fun 

Favorite baseball player growing up? Favorite non-sports athlete?

I would have to say that Ken Griffey Jr was the player I idolized growing up but what other kid didn’t.

The PA Announcer announces you to the plate. What songs playing as you come to bat?

Haha, anyone that knows me knows that my walk up is ONE of the most important things to my hitting. Last year I had Lil Wayne – John and Trey Songz – Don’t Wanna Come Down. This year is a toss-up between a couple of songs I’ve been obsessed with this offseason but i like to keep it fresh when I walk up to the plate!

Favorite TV Show?

Recently just started watching that new show The River and gotta say that’s one of the favorites even though its new, Baseball Tonight, and everyone has got to watch Impractical Jokers.

If you could buy any car what would it be?

I love my car I just bought, A Chevy Tahoe completely blacked out, but if I could have any car it would be a BMW 750i.