MLB Playoffs: The Biggest Heroes of the Last 20 Years

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Boston Red Sox former player Manny Ramirez enters the field from the green monster before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Manny Ramirez

The trivia question of “who was the MVP of the 2004 World Series” would often elicit the response of “David Ortiz”, but the accurate answer is Manny Ramirez. Among other accomplishments, Ramirez was voted MVP of the series that capped a historic playoff run for the 2004 Red Sox, but although that was the only such MVP honor for “Man-Ram” in any LCS or World Series, his playoff profile is incredible.

For starters, Manny Ramirez is easily the all-time leader in playoff home runs with 29 (Bernie Williams is second at 22), and he ranks in the top five of several all-time playoff categories, including singles (69), walks (72), RBI (78), doubles (19), total bases (223) and runs scored (67). At this point, many people identify Manny solely as a member of those great Boston teams, but prior to that, he did serious damage as a member of the Cleveland Indians, including 13 home runs in 52 games, dating back to the 1995 World Series against Atlanta.

Manny Ramirez’s career will be known for many things, including his “interesting” off-field persona, but as a player, his playoff performance stands on its own.

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