Like father, like son: Lucas Ramirez hits 2 homers for Brazil in WBC with dad Manny Ramirez watching

The 20-year-old Lucas Ramirez homered twice against the U.S. team, following in the footsteps of his father Manny Ramirez's MLB career.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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In a World Baseball Classic matchup between Brazil and the United States, 20-year-old Lucas Ramirez hit two home runs, including a leadoff homer, while his father Manny Ramirez, a 12-time MLB All-Star, watched from the stands. The younger Ramirez is playing for Brazil, where his mother was born and raised, and his performance has made his father proud.

Why it matters

This story highlights the intergenerational connection in baseball, as a young player follows in the footsteps of his famous father. It also showcases the global reach of the World Baseball Classic, with players representing their ancestral homelands.

The details

Lucas Ramirez, a 17th-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels in 2024, hit a leadoff homer in the bottom of the 8th inning to cut the U.S. team's lead to 2-1. He then added another solo shot in the 8th off a different pitcher to bring Brazil within 8-5. Manny Ramirez, who hit 555 career home runs in the MLB, was thrilled to see his son succeed on the international stage.

  • Lucas Ramirez hit the leadoff homer in the bottom of the 8th inning.
  • Lucas Ramirez hit his second homer in the 8th inning.

The players

Lucas Ramirez

A 20-year-old baseball player who hit two home runs for Brazil in the World Baseball Classic, following in the footsteps of his father Manny Ramirez's MLB career.

Manny Ramirez

A 12-time MLB All-Star who hit 555 home runs over a 19-year career and was in the stands watching his son Lucas play for Brazil in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“I was looking forward for him to do something special. So, he's been working so hard all year round and I'm proud of him.”

— Manny Ramirez (The Associated Press)

What’s next

Lucas Ramirez will look to build on his strong performance in the World Baseball Classic as he prepares for the upcoming minor league season with the Los Angeles Angels organization.

The takeaway

This story showcases the intergenerational connection in baseball, as a young player follows in the footsteps of his famous father. It also highlights the global reach of the World Baseball Classic, where players can represent their ancestral homelands.