Atlanta Braves Throwback Thursday Special – A50: The Shortstops

#5: Rafael Ramirez –

From 1981 to 1987, Rafael Ramirez patrolled shortstop for Atlanta. Ramirez never lit the National League on fire or anything, but he was a mainstay for 6 years. This was something the Braves had never really had since they moved to Atlanta in 1966.

From 1966 to 1980, the Braves had 10, count ’em, 10 shortstops. Ten shortstops over a 14 year span? Suffice to say, Atlanta had issues at short. Rafael Ramirez was the first every day shortstop to last longer than 3 years since Marty Perez filled the gap from 1971-1973.

Ramirez spent 8 seasons in Atlanta before being traded to the Astros. During his time as a member of a team Ted Turner dubbed ‘America’s Team’, Ramirez’s slash line was average to below-average, compiling a .263/.298/.345/.643 line. He did earn one All-Star appearance in 1984.

Ramirez makes the cut mainly due to his durability and longevity (it helps he is the first Braves shortstop I ever knew). Nostalgia is a fickle beast, because it sure wasn’t his fielding that got him here. From 1981 to 1986, he led the NL in errors four times. Finishing 4th in 1984 and 2nd in 1986. That’s why he’s number five … Basically, a sentimental nod to show my age …