The Waltrip Rams have 10 seniors on their varsity baseball team this season. One of those seniors is stand-out shortstop Alberto Ramirez.
“The biggest thing that Alberto brings to the table is his energy,” said Waltrip head baseball coach Richard Burriss. “He always brings high energy no matter what he is doing. He came to the program with a lot of energy and now not only is he going out with high energy, but he is also going out with the ability to lead by example.”
Ramirez has played for the Waltrip varsity baseball program for all four years of high school. He understands the importance of guidance and encouragement for the younger guys who will soon take over next season.
“This is the season we have to step up and get it done because next season we will be a lot younger and rebuilding. The senior group and I try to build up the younger kids because we know what’s ahead of them next season,” said Ramirez. “Baseball is a mental game and the more you play, you realize it’s not about the errors you make on the field, but it’s how you stand up and pick it up after that.”
It’s this leadership and humbleness that Ramirez feels helped him transition to the varsity level when he was just a freshman, the year he led the team in hitting.
“Starting on the varsity team my freshman year was a big thing for me. I had to humble myself, stay mellow, and keep working hard because nothing was handed to me. I had to earn my spot,” said Ramirez.
Alberto Ramirez
IG: @b3to_ramir3z3
Twitter: @BetoRamirez03
Position: Shortstop
Height & weight: 5-feet-11, 165 pounds
Players he studies: Alex Lopez (University of Houston), Francisco Lindor (New York Mets)
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite artist: Big Scarr
Favorite subject: Science
Shout-outs: God, Mom, Family
Ramirez began playing t-ball at four years old at Heights-Norhill Little League. He continued his play with the league until he was 12 years old. Afterward, he focused on select ball with teams such as the Outlaws, Lynx and Raptors. However, he didn’t play travel baseball until he was 17 years old.
“I started travel ball later than most kids, but I just put in the work so I could lessen the curve and have results,” said Ramirez. “Playing with Marucci Elite humbled me. There were a lot of good players there, and we played many teams from around the world. It was amazing, a great experience. Playing there taught me to just keep working.”
Ramirez studies the playing styles of former Lamar High School graduate Alex Lopez and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
“Alex is very smooth. He’s a little lefty first baseman. It’s amazing watching him play on the field. I like how Francisco works with his hands at the shortstop position. Both players are hard hardworking guys who put in the work,” said Ramirez.
Baseball brings out the kid in Ramirez.
“I enjoy playing the game. I love it. It’s something I’ve been doing since I was a kid and it’s always been a dream to play in the major leagues,” said Ramirez.
Playing in college and later making it to the major leagues is a dream many baseball players have, but for Ramirez having that dream come true could be life-changing for his family who has been through so much lately.
“It would help my mom a lot. We’ve been through a lot recently with my dad, Aurileo Ramirez, passing away unexpectedly in December,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez has yet to commit to a collegiate program but is looking for a good baseball family atmosphere to build around, filled with players who want to work and want to win.
While in school he is interested in studying sports medicine or sports science.
“If baseball doesn’t work out, I want to be a coach,” said Ramirez. “A coach that inspired me growing up was coach Javier Butron. He was my coach growing up from t-ball up till I was 15 years old. He was like my second dad. He helped me through a lot of things.”
Ramirez reflects on the advice given to him when he looks back to encourage the next generation of players.
“Don’t let the play make you, you make the play, and don’t ever put your head down. Keep striving,” said Ramirez.
