Ex-White Sox All-Star to set World Baseball Classic record with Cuba

Seventeen years ago, Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez fielded a ground ball to record the last out of Mark Buehrle's infamous perfect game. 

Legendary announcer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson howled, "Alexei" as the then 27-year-old threw a strike to first baseman Josh Fields. 

Ramirez spent six of his remaining seven Major League seasons with the White Sox, splitting 2016 with the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays. Now 44, the Cuba native is still active in professional baseball. 

Ramirez to play for Cuba at WBC 

World Baseball Classic rosters were announced Thursday night, and Ramirez is slated to be one of Team Cuba's contributors in the infield. 

"The oldest player on any roster is nine-year MLB veteran Alexei Ramírez for Cuba," MLB.com's Sarah Langs wrote. "The 44-year-old would be the oldest to appear in a WBC game." 

Ramirez played in the inaugural WBC for Cuba in 2006. At 43 years and 224 days, Roger Clemens holds the record for the oldest player to appear in the WBC. 

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• Angels listed as a potential suitor for this former All-Star pitcher
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• Braves viewed as an ideal landing spot for this veteran swingman pitcher