The Cleveland Guardians closed out the regular season on a high note.
They made history by overcoming both the largest deficit in a divisional race (15.5 games) and the largest deficit faced in September (11 games) to win the AL Central over the Detroit Tigers.
To add even more to the list of historic accomplishments, their top player also reached a career best in the finale against the Texas Rangers.
“Jose Ramirez milestone alert: That was his 42nd stolen base, his new single-season career high,” Tim Stebbins wrote on X.
José Ramírez milestone alert: That was his 42nd stolen base, his new single-season career high.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) September 28, 2025
The fact that Ramirez kept stealing bases in the last game of the regular season, even after securing a spot in the playoffs, speaks volumes.
He’s the ultimate competitor, and he doesn’t know any other way to play than giving it his all.
The All-Star third baseman could’ve just gone through the motions and mailed that one in, knowing that they were already in the playoffs.
But they controlled their own destiny to win the division, and Ramirez can’t play halfway.
That has been instrumental in setting the tone in the clubhouse.
Watching him lead by example helped his teammates stay grounded through the storm.
Even in the few moments when he has failed to be as good at the plate as he usually is, he made a positive impact on the team with his leadership and stellar defense.
Now, he’s going to have to take his game up another couple of notches, as there’s still plenty of baseball to be played and a big job to do.
NEXT: Guardians Make History With Record-Setting September Division Comeback
