In seven years[citation needed] 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 .335 in Cuba, and led the league in 2007 with 20 home runs while posting a .338 average.[citation needed] Ramírez played center field for Cuba at the 2006 World Baseball Classic, collecting 6 hits in 16 at-bats and impressing US scouts in the process. He hits and throws right-handed.\n', '

In September 2007, Ramírez left Cuba to apply for citizenship in the Dominican Republic, and also apply to Major League Baseball to enter free agency, according to his agent, Jaime Torres. He auditioned for many baseball teams before coming to an agreement on a four-year contract with the Chicago White Sox on December 21, 2007.\n', '

Ramírez made his MLB debut on March 31, 2008. He recorded his first major league hit on April 2, a single off Cleveland Indians reliever Jorge Julio. Ramírez hit his first major league home run on May 16, off San Francisco Giants reliever Billy Sadler.\n', '

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