The USF baseball team made a big splash by announcing the signing of the son of former big-league slugger Manny Ramirez, Manny Ramirez Jr., to a letter of intent as part of eight players committing during the early signing period.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound first baseman Ramirez Jr. will be transferring from Central Arizona College. Ramirez Jr. attended IMG Academy for high school in Braderton, Fla., where he hit .331 with three home runs and 36 RBIs.

“He is a very talented hitter, has a chance to hit in the middle of our lineup,” USF coach Nino Giarratano said.