It's been nearly two weeks since Aramis Ramirez learned that he had been elected to the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame along with former teammate Kerry Wood.
By his own admission, he was stunned.
Now that it's had some time to sink in, the 45-year-old former star appreciates what a special honor it is. He gets to be part of an amazing group that features all-time legends such as Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and more.
Based on his recent interview with Cubs Weekly Podcast, Ramirez appears grateful for the opportunity to be included with some of the best players not just in franchise history, but baseball history.
For starters, he wasn't expecting it. Ramirez said his family knew about his election before he did.
"It was unbelievable. It was a crazy night...It was a surprise. I didn't know anything about it."
But now that he knows, it's clear how proud and excited he is.
"It was just a great surprise. I'm a Cub for life, like I said, and that's just a great honor to be in the Cubs Hall of Fame."
A great honor, but a well-deserved one.
Ramirez was an outstanding third baseman for nearly a decade with Chicago. In nine seasons with the Cubs from 2003-2011, he made two All-Star teams, won a Silver Slugger and received MVP votes four times. He also won the NL Hank Aaron Award in 2008 when he was voted the best hitter in the National League.
While A-Ram wasn't able to win a World Series on the North Side, he did help Chicago reach the playoffs three times. In all, he averaged 27 home runs, 90 RBIs and an .887 OPS with the Cubs.
Ramirez didn't get to start or finish his career with Chicago, but that's okay.
He's now a Cub for life after receiving this prestigious honor.
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