Dominican star José Ramírez officially cemented his legacy as the most enduring figure in the 125-year history of the Cleveland franchise on Monday, 6 April 2026. By taking the field against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field, the 33-year-old third baseman appeared in his 1,620th career game, surpassing the record held by Terry Turner for over 108 years.
The milestone was marked with a mid-game ceremony before the sixth inning. Longtime coach Sandy Alomar Jr. presented Ramírez with the third base bag as the Cleveland crowd offered a standing ovation. With this appearance, Ramírez also became the only active player in Major League Baseball to lead his current franchise in games played.
While the “games played” record is the latest to fall, it is merely one chapter in what has become an assault on the Cleveland record books. Ramírez already stands alone as the only player in franchise history to record at least 250 home runs and 250 stolen bases.
According to data from MLB and the Associated Press, here is where Ramírez currently stands in the franchise’s all-time rankings:
• Games played: 1,620 (1st – surpassed Terry Turner’s 1,619)
• Extra-base hits: 729 (1st)
• Intentional walks: 1st
• Home runs: 286 (2nd – trailing Jim Thome’s 337)
• Stolen bases: 289 (2nd – trailing Kenny Lofton’s 452)
• RBIs: 954 (2nd – trailing Earl Averill’s 1,084)
• Total bases: 3,018 (2nd)
• Doubles: 400 (3rd)
• Hits: 1,674 (7th)
Despite the personal accolades, Ramírez remains focused on broader goals. Speaking through an interpreter after the game, he noted that while such milestones are fun to accomplish, his primary focus remains on reaching the Hall of Fame and bringing a World Series title to Cleveland.
Ramírez, who debuted on 1 September 2013 as a pinch runner, has been a cornerstone for the Guardians through six AL Central Division titles. His journey from a 2015 demotion to a seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger has transformed him into the undisputed face of the organization.
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8 April 2026