In a momentous turn of events for the SweatSox, pitcher and slugger Josh Ramage was just crowned National Capital Baseball League Tier 3 Player of the Week. Ramage’s stellar performance outshined a field packed with elite talent, including Jack Lawler (Padres), Maxwell Rose (Bats, twice nominated), Scott Kiser (Lumberjacks), Ty Murphy (Rockets), and even his own teammate Mark Bond.
Ramage earned the honor with a dominant two-way performance in the SweatSox’s 3-2 victory over the Lumberjacks last week. On the mound, he threw a complete game five-hitter, allowing just two unearned runs, walking two, and striking out key batters in clutch moments. At the plate, he was a perfect 3-for-3, driving in two of the team’s three runs to secure the narrow win. His contributions proved vital in a game that could have easily gone the other way.
This marks the first Player of the Week honor for the SweatSox this season and the second career win for Ramage, with his first coming back in Week 2 of 2022. That historic performance—where he went 5-for-5 at the plate and pitched four innings to secure a win over the Caps—has long been etched into SweatSox lore. A young and scrappy squad back then featured Craig Cornell (3B) in the leadoff spot, Cory Bond (CF) in the two-hole, and Kent Johnston (RF?!?) rounding out the lineup in ninth.
Reflecting on his latest honor, Ramage was humble yet determined. “It feels great to be recognized, especially with the caliber of players in this league. I just tried to stay focused and help the team where I could,” he said. “Hopefully, we can keep building off this momentum.”
SweatSox Manager Cory Bond couldn’t hide his pride for the veteran. “Josh has come a long way since his first Player of the Week win. He’s not just a competitor; he’s a leader on and off the field. Seeing him break out of his slump and get back to dominating is what this team needed,” Bond said. “He’s not so ‘large’ anymore, but his heart has only grown bigger.”
For the SweatSox faithful, the Ramage win carries even more significance. It signals the return of SweatSox Apres-Baseball tweets from I, Shaun Keay, who weeks ago proclaimed a social media hiatus until the Arsonist shook off its slump. “We needed Josh to get back on track,” said Keay (me). “Now that he has, the SweatSox are back online—time permitting.”
The SweatSox hope to ride this wave of success as they gear up for tomorrow’s clash against the Coyotes at Trillium Field. Eric White, rested and ready, is the projected starter, aiming to keep the momentum alive and add another chapter to the SweatSox’s surging season. First pitch is at 6:10 PM—be there to cheer on your team!
#WONTHEPOW