Manny makes bid for 501

BALTIMORE - Manny Ramirez made a bid for his 501st homer with a long drive to center to end the first inning.

Ramirez is in the lineup as a DH today with David Ortiz nursing a strained left wrist.

Ramirez was given his No. 500 ball back by the Woo Brothers, formerly of Nahant. Ramirez has given them a collection of signed balls and photos and other assorted items for their generosity in returning the ball. The Woo brothers were back in the Sox clubhouse this morning.

The Hall of Fame is taking Manny's game helmet and a lineup card for display in Cooperstown.

Sports Illustrated football writer Don Banks, who lives in Boston, was at Camden Yards Saturday night and saw the Ramirez homer fly just over his head in the bleachers.

When the Sox get back home, they will show a video of some of the other active 500-homer club members talking about Manny and congratulating him. Alex Rodriguez, Jim Thome, Frank Thomas, and Ken Griffey Jr. are among the players featured.