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By Ima Fann
April 1, 2010 (San Diego) – The San Diego Padres today announced that they have signed Luke Ramirez, 13, ace pitcher and batting champion from the Park View Little League World Series winning team in Chula Vista.
The move is expected to boost attendance for the Padres, given the enormous popularity of the Chula Vista world champs, while also adding some muscle to the lineup and the pitcher’s mound.
“Sure, it’s a bit unusual to award a Major League contract to an eighth grader,” said Padres manager Bud Black. “But the kid’s got an arm—and he’s a power hitter. At six feet tall and 212 pounds, Luke can hold his own with the big boys."
Ramirez said the honor was "almost as totally cool" as meeting President Obama at the White House, guest-starring on late night TV, and serving as grand marshal in the Mother Goose Parade along with his teammates, otherwise known as the blue bombers.
"We think he could be the next Babe Ruth," the Padres coach predicted. "Besides, anything’s gotta be an improvement for us over our last couple of seasons. Getting Ramirez is a total victory for the Padres.”
HAPPY APRIL FOOLS’ DAY!
To read more April Fool’s Day “news” from East County Magazine’s special April 1st, 2010 edition, please click here.
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