The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Ramirez bobblehead is a hit
Marilyn Mestek wasn’t taking any chances.
On July 8, the longtime Mentor resident arrived at Classic Park at 3:50 p.m., a little more than three hours before the Lake County Captains took on the West Michigan Whitecaps.
More to the point, the early arrival put Mestek at the front of the long line of fans waiting to enter the main gate and receive one of the 1,500 Jose Ramirez bobbleheads that were the promotional prize on a pleasant summer evening.
Ramirez is the third baseman for the Cleveland Indians, the parent club of the full-season Single-A Captains.
The 24-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has been so good all season he won the fan voting to be the starting third baseman for the American League in the All-Star Game on July 11 in Miami.
“I love his attitude, his personality and his rapport with all of his teammates,” Mestek said.
Pat Codney of Willoughby, a devoted Captains fan since the team arrived in Eastlake in 2003, was next in line behind Mestek.
“I was going to be here tonight come hell or high water,” Codney said, laughing.
Mentor residents Pat and Loren Dodge also were near the front of the line. They were all smiles when asked to pose with their Ramirez bobbleheads.
“He’s a cocky player, and I love that, “Loren Dodge said.
Added Pat Dodge: “He’s so dedicated, a hard-core player.”
The affection these fans have for Ramirez is rooted both in how well he’s played for the Indians since his big-league debut in September 2013 and his ties to the Captains.