Top 5: Manny Moments

     This last weekend Manny Ramirez finally decided to call it quits.  Of course in typical Manny style, he was more forced out of the game then it being his choice.  For the second time in his career, Manny tested positive for an illegal drug and instead of sitting out the 100 game suspension, he walked away from the game.  It's a shame really, he's one of the best hitters I ever watched play the game, steroids or not, and much like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, the fact that he won't be in the Hall Of Fame bothers me a little (I smell another top 5).  Cheater or not, I have decided to honor him her on my blog with his own Top 5.  This week's list in Top 5 Manny Moments...

5.  Manny Forgets to Tell Tampa He's Retiring
     Why wouldn't he retire like he played the game?  Yes people, many of you knew that Manny called it quits before the Rays did.  Who other then Manny would forget to tell the team he is playing for that he's retiring?

4.  Manny Tests Positive for Female Fertility Drug
     Only Manny would get a suspension for using a female drug.  I know it's commonly used for masking steroid use, but Manny is the only baseball player to get caught using it.  He went on to claim it was prescribed to him for personal reasons.  As silly as this may sound coming from most people, part of me wouldn't doubt Manny was trying to get pregnant.

3.  Manny Misses an Out Taking a Piss in The Green Monster
     Manny was known on many an occasion to step into the Monster during pitching changes.  You know, to just say hi to the guys working the scoreboard or grab a drink or just get a well deserved rest.  But on this particular occasion Manny had to go the bathroom really bad and stepped into the Monster to relieve himself.  Meanwhile, the game started back up and no sign of Manny.  Luckily the Sox were able to record the out without him.

2.  Manny Makes a Running Catch and Hi-Fives Fan Before Doubling Oriole Off First www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbY1dTVwRyI
     Manny may have been the best hitter of his generation, but he left a lot to be desired with his fielding.  Spectacular clips of Manny playing the field are few and far between, but this one is a classic.  The quality of the link leaves a bit to be desired but you get the idea.  Manny catches the ball in a full sprint, climbs the wall, Hi-fives a fan, then turns around and throws out Aubrey Huff at first base.  Classic!

1.  Manny Cuts Off Throw From Johnny Damon
     There is no clip of just this play on-line, which sucks because I don't think I can do it justice with words.  Here's a link to a Japanese Sportcenter count down of great Manny Moments, the Damon clip is in there www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cY3M8aloY8&feature=related.  It's the funniest thing I've seen on a ball field.  Johnny Damon, who in all honesty needs a cutoff on every time he picks up a baseball because he throws like my sister, throws the ball toward the infield and Manny makes the greatest diving catch of his career to cut it off for no apparent reason.  It would have been one thing if it was at his head and he threw up his glove in defense, but he actually dives back in the direction he was running from to snag it.  I've always wanted to know what was going through his head at that moment.

Honorable Mentions:  Manny says his knee is bothering him and can't play but when sent to get an MIR can't remember what knee it was, Manny forgets his pay check in a pair of shoes in a visiting locker room, Manny walks to first on a ground ball (every time it happened!)