About Alexei Ramírez

Alexei Fernando Ramírez Rodriguez (born September 22, 1981) is a Cuban former professional baseball shortstop. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays, and for Pinar del Rio of the Cuban National Series. His nickname, given to him by former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén, is "the Cuban Missile" due to his tall, slim physique and combination of speed, power, and strong throwing arm. Ramírez batted and threw right-handed.

Early career
In seven years of baseball in the Cuban National Series, Ramírez spent most of his time playing shortstop and outfield for Pinar del Rio. He had a batting average of .332 in Cuba, and led the league in 2007 with 20 home runs while posting a .335 average. Ramírez played center field for Cuba at the 2006 World Baseball Classic, collecting six hits in 16 at-bats and impressing Major League Baseball scouts in the process.