By Ricky Guandique
Broncos baseball Assistant Coach Jimmy Ramos will be entering his 50th year of coaching in 2021, with 38 of those seasons spent with CPP. Ramos was a center fielder for the Broncos until 1971, where he stole 14 bases in 37 games, playing under legendary coach John Scolinos.
He began his tenure as a coach at CPP immediately after Scolinos offered him a coaching staff position following his graduation from the university.
“It feels like I just started last year,” said Ramos. “Coach Scolinos asked if I would like to be the head coach of the junior varsity/frosh team the following year. I said ‘yes’ and I’m still going.”
Coach Ramos, or ‘Kimo’ as he is affectionately referred to by his peers and players, is also well-known in the baseball world. In 2012, he worked for MLB International at the MLB Academy in Changzhou, China. In November of that same year, he managed the Philippines national team at the World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament.
Ramos is not only a notable, longtime Bronco, but he is a team favorite member of the baseball staff and is held in high-esteem among the coaches and student-athletes.
“He’s the total package,” said current Head Coach Randy Betten. “He brings that high level every day. I like to ask for his insight to coaching, player development and what coach Scolinos would do.”
Betten also made it clear that Ramos has a great relationship with the players, and that his communication with the team is important for the team’s growth.
“He’s a selfless giver to CPP,” said Betten. “He cares about the baseball program and every coach and player who has been involved over the years. Jimmy is a lifelong learner who will go down as one of the greats at CPP. We only have two numbers retired out on the fence: Scolinos and Ramos.”
Ramos was on the coaching staff of CPP’s first ever national champion baseball team in 1976, as well as its third in 1983. He has also coached at Mt. San Antonio College, Fullerton College and Esperanza High School.
“I feel he has strongly impacted my development, both in the way I approach the game, as well as my defense,” said junior outfielder Nick Peifer. “One thing that he’s said that has stuck with me are the Five Ps:‘proper planning prevents poor performance.’ I feel that can also be applied to school and everyday life.”
For Ramos, being forever mentioned alongside the late Scolinos is more than enough for him. He expressed content in simply continuing to be a loving husband to his wife, Lisa, a loving father to his daughter, Gina, and his son, Jason, and a wonderful grandfather to his grandchildren, Liam, Paige and Ady.
Discussing his legacy, Ramos said, “I don’t feel I need a legacy at Cal Poly. Just being an alumnus, having been a player, being a coach, being around all the players and coaches who were a part of this program, that’s a privilege for me.”