Hard work defines De La Salle’s Ricardo Ramirez on and off the field

Ricardo Ramirez is typical of many kids in the Chicago area. His parents are immigrants from Mexico, and he has immersed himself in American culture and sports, including baseball.

What isn’t typical about Ramirez is he’s one of the top students at De La Salle while excelling at baseball through a tireless work ethic and the cajoling that came about from an unusual friendship.

Ramirez is ranked fifth in his senior class and has earned a baseball scholarship to UIC. But it’s his work ethic and leadership that has left an impression on his coaches and teammates.

‘‘One of the best kids that I have ever coached,’’ Meteors coach Mark Higgins said. ‘‘Personality-wise, he is always pumped up. He’s very respectful and respected among his peers and his teachers. There isn’t a person you can find that would ever say a bad word about him. He has a go-through-the-wall mentality. He’s always looking to learn. He’s always asking questions. He’s very fun to be around.’’

As a freshman, Ramirez entered De La Salle not knowing many of the other students. He grew up near McKinley Park, and when he tried out for the baseball team, he made an immediate friendship with Kevin Malec, who grew up in Garfield Ridge, west of Midway airport.

‘‘After we made the baseball team, something just clicked between us,’’ Malec said. ‘‘We stuck by each other side by side from freshman year to senior year, and now we’re doing good together. At first it was unusual because we come from two really different neighborhoods. At De La Salle, there’s something really special with the whole diversity [situation], and that’s one of the reasons that I went there.’’

Like Ramirez, Malec is ranked near the top of his class. The bond that was formed between the two best friends has resulted in them pushing each other to be better. They wake up at 5 a.m. during the week to lift weights and give each other some good-natured grief during the workouts.

‘‘We call each other the ‘Dynamic Duo,’ ’’ Ramirez said. ‘‘[Malec] always has a smile on his face, and he’s always positive. He keeps me going. He’s my best friend both on and off the field.’’

Ramirez is a captain on the team because of his leadership and work ethic. At 6-2 and 205 pounds, Ramirez has a very stout and strong lower body from which he derives his power. He plays third base and pitches for the Meteors.

‘‘I’ve seen him hit home runs to all fields,’’ Higgins said. ‘‘He’s very hard to strike out. He always puts the ball in play. He has a very short stroke and has a great arm and plays a great third base. There isn’t a thing he doesn’t do well. I know when he goes to the next level that he’s going to be successful because of his work ethic and talent.’’

‘‘My work ethic starts with my dad,’’ Ramirez said. ‘‘He doesn’t come and watch my away games because he’s always working. He’s always been the leader in the family. Spending time with my family keeps me happy and loose. They always support me and are there for me.’’

Ramirez is the youngest of five children. His two brothers, Hernan Jr. and Ernesto, have played college soccer. Ramirez relaxes by hanging out with his family and Malec.