“I’ve seen a lot of things and it’s been one heck of a ride” is what former Major League Baseball prospect Frank Ramirez Jr. told attendees during his induction speech the Rockdale High School Athletic Hall of Honor ceremony last November.
This November, he passed away at age 53 after complications from surgery.
As one of the most decorated athletes to don the Tiger Blue-and-Gold, Ramirez was a force for the RHS baseball team, striking out 35 batters and boasting an ERA of 0.66 in the spring of 1984.
During that season, he also played a big part in helping the Tigers win district after hitting two three-run homers to clinch the 26AAA title over Rosebud-Lott.
In the playoffs, he led RHS to one of their deepest runs in the last 50 years.
First, he gave up just four hits in a bi-district win over Navasota.
Next, he helped take down an undefeated Columbus squad, giving up only one hit in a game that he held a no-hitter until the sixth inning.
After the season, also named an All-American.
Following his time at RHS, he went on play for Sam Houston State University in Huntsville where he compiled a 12-6 record with a 2.39 ERA.
That led to interest from seven different MLB teams including the Atlanta Braves, who ultimately signed him.
He pitched for their Pioneer League team in Idaho Falls during the 1987 season, going 7-1.
In addition to his baseball career at RHS, Ramirez was also an accomplished football player for the Tigers, being named first team all-district as a tight end, defensive back and punter.
He also received all-state honors during the 1983 season.
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