Manny Ramirez Rakes in the Taiwan Cash
Ramirez got a $170,000 apperance fee to go to Taiwan.
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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 19: Manny Ramirez #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after he fouled a ball off of his foot in the top of the sixth inning against of the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Four of the NLCS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park on October 19, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Manny Ramirez is set to make a cool $23.8 million this year. Which is almost enough to live on. But we could all use a little extra pocket, walking-around money, and so could Manny.
So he made a few extra bucks — and by a “few extra bucks" I mean way more than you or I will make this year by a long shot — while the Dodgers were busy being rained out in Taiwan last weekend.
To secure the presence of the free-spirited Ramirez and increase the series' appeal, Bros Sports said it gave Ramirez a US$170,000 appearance fee and endorsement deal.
Let me break down for you….
Manny made triple what the average American makes in a year to show up with the rest of his teammates — well, mostly a bunch of Dodger minor leaguers — and play three games against a team of Taiwanese All-Stars. Manny being Manny might not have gone through the inconvenience for his regular salary, so they threw in an appearance fee on top of that for him.
It’s good to be Manny. And if they are going to pay it, he can take it. Welcome to the free market.
Sunday, Manny gave the fans what they wanted to see — he went 3 for 4 at the plate, had a double and scored three runs as the Dodgers destroyed the All-Stars 11-1.
The atmosphere at the game was more that of a soccer match — constant yelling, guys playing horns, cheering and singing throughout the game. Fans never put down their ThunderStix and there was a drummer in the stadium to lead them. It was a level of energy not seen at stateside games.
The Dodgers landed back in Phoenix Monday morning, after a 12-hour return flight. Manager Joe Torre gave the team the day off.
Which gave Manny a little time to spend that extra pocket money he earned.
