Personality Profile: Amos Ramon
A room that was filled with dirt stained jerseys, baseball gloves and a lot of testosterone just three weeks ago is now a very quiet, clean space. Amos Ramon sits in front of his empty locker which normally holds his jersey and other personal belongings. Now nothing remains but a few chairs and player name tags.
“It feels alive being in [the clubhouse] during the season and very somber during the offseason,” says Ramon. “When you walk in during the season there is always someone in there. Now it feels lonely.”
It may be lonely, but Amos has a lot to be proud of. The Winnipeg Goldeyes recently brought home their first championship in 18 years. In a city that has an NHL and a CFL team, baseball isn’t as popular. Now that they are champions, Amos is overwhelmed by all the fame.
“It has been a little overwhelming,” says Amos. People didn’t give us much of a chance but we did it.”
Before winning the championship, not many people would recognize Ramon unless he was wearing his jersey. Now, he can be out in public in a casual t-shirt and jeans and wife Duong Ramon says people will frequently come up to them.
“[People approach me] and talk with me as though I’ve known them for years and I love that,” says Duong. “They are always excited to talk to [Amos] about the season and his training but are also so respectful of his time and personal life.”
Amos was named MVP of the American Association 2012 Playoffs. His standing ovation at the Goldeyes victory party proves he is a fan favorite. His playoff performance certainly lives up to his new nickname.
“I was in Lake County and their [radio announcer] said how do you pronounce your name? Amoss? A-mose? A moose? I said no no it’s Amos like Famous Amos cookies. He started calling me that on the radio which lead to Paul Edmonds calling me that and I guess it just stuck with fans.”
Duong says Amos hates nicknames and the recognition he receives, but does have one she calls him.
“The only [nickname] he can stand is babe so that’s the one I use on a daily basis,” she says.
Over 300,000 people came to support Amos and the Winnipeg Goldeyes over the 2012 season. While Ramon says that number is crazy, he loves playing in front of such a large crowd.
“It’s the best feeling playing in front of these people. It gives you motivation to try and win. It was loud in Fargo and Wichita but nothing compares to Shaw Park.”
Amos hit a two run homer in the seventh inning in playoff game 1. It helped the Goldeyes beat Fargo 4-2 and give them a 1-0 lead in the series. He was happy especially after his 2006 playoff experience.
“I went 0-16 on hits and that was embarrassing. I knew I had to redeem myself this year since I was out last year [with a torn ACL]. All I wanted was that one hit and the fact it happened the way it did was just amazing.”
General Manager, Andrew Collier, is really proud of Ramon and his fight throughout the 2012 season.
“He was just unbelievable,” says Collier. “All [the injuries] could have been signs for him to maybe think about doing something else. But he just battled through and came back stronger.”
Collier uses one word to describe Ramon.
“Driven. He wants to be the best player he can be. He wants to do everything he can to help the team win.”
Amos Ramon says baseball will be in his future for as long as possible.
“I don’t wanna be that guy that says ‘what if?’ Winnipeg is my home now. I wanna be a Goldeye as long as possible.”
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