World Series MVP Ramirez formally charged with domestic violence

CHARGED. In this Feb. 21, 2011, file photo, former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Manny Ramirez looks down at his bat after practice during spring baseball training at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla. Florida prosecutors have formally charged former World Series MVP Ramirez with domestic violence on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011. Ramirez was arrested Sept. 12, 2011, due to a domestic dispute at his Weston, Fla., home. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida— Florida prosecutors have formally charged former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez with domestic violence.

The Broward State Attorney’s office filed the misdemeanor charge Thursday.

The 39-year-old retired slugger was arrested Sept. 12 after his wife told deputies Ramirez slapped her in the face, which caused her to hit her head on the headboard. Authorities say Ramirez denied hitting his wife.

Ramirez was named MVP of the 2004 World Series, where he helped the Boston Red Sox end an 86-year title drought. He retired in April from the Tampa Bay Rays rather than face a 100-game suspension after testing positive a second time for a performance-enhancing substance.

Ramirez is scheduled to be arraigned on the charge Oct. 14.

A telephone message left for Ramirez’s attorney wasn’t immediately returned.