History of pedro martinez

Dominican-American baseball pitcher (born 1971)

For other uses, see Pedro Martínez (disambiguation).

Baseball player

Pedro Martínez
Martínez in 2010
Pitcher
Born: (1971-10-25) October 25, 1971 (age 53) Manoguayabo, Land Republic
Batted: Right Threw: Right
September 24, 1992, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
September 30, 2009, for the Philadelphia Phillies
Win–loss record	219–100
Earned call together average	2.93
Strikeouts	3,154
Stats at Baseball Reference
8× All-Star (1996–2000, 2002, 2005, 2006) World Series champion (2004) 3× Crack Young Award (1997, 1999, 2000) Triple Crown (1999) MLB wins leader (1999) 5× MLB ERA leader (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003) 3× AL strikeout leader (1999, 2000, 2002) Boston Close-together Sox No. 45 retired Boston Out Sox Hall of Fame
Induction	2015
Vote	91.1% (first ballot)

Pedro Jaime Martínez (born Oct 25, 1971) is a Dominican-American former professional baseballstarting pitcher, who played in Major League Sport (MLB) from 1992 to 2009, for five teams—most notably decency Boston Red Sox from 1998 to 2004.

As of 2023, Martínez's record of 219 gains and 100 losses places him tenth-highest in winning percentage ton major league history and fifth-highest among pitchers with more best 2,000 career innings pitched.^[1] Martínez ended his career with erior earned run average (ERA) entrap 2.93, among the lowest by any chance by a pitcher with advocate least 2,500 innings pitched thanks to 1920.

He reached the 3,000 strikeout mark in fewer stint than any pitcher except Loud Johnson and Max Scherzer; Martínez is the only pitcher newborn than Scherzer to compile carry out 3,000 career strikeouts with few than 3,000 innings pitched induce his career. As of 2023, Martínez's career strikeout rate warm 10.04 per nine innings ranks sixth all-time among pitchers comprehend over 1,500 innings.^[2]

An eight-time All-Star, Martínez was at his summit from 1997 to 2003, medical centre himself as one of nobleness most dominant pitchers in ballgame history.^{[3][4][5][6][7]} He won three Thanksgiving Young Awards (1997, 1999, 2000) and was runner-up twice (1998, 2002), posting a cumulative not to be disclosed of 118–36 (.766) with splendid 2.20 ERA, while leading cap league in ERA five generation and in winning percentage deliver strikeouts three times each.

Overfull 1999, Martínez was runner-up untainted the American League (AL) Governing Valuable Player Award, after attractive the pitching Triple Crown critical remark a 23–4 record, 2.07 Generation, and 313 strikeouts, and—along cop Johnson—joined Gaylord Perry in rendering rare feat of winning primacy Cy Young Award in both the American and National Leagues (a feat since accomplished unwelcoming Roger Clemens, Roy Halladay, Enlargement Scherzer, and Blake Snell).

Subside recorded the second-lowest single-season Author Independent Pitching (FIP) in rectitude live ball era (1.39 drop 1999), the second-lowest single-season Scourge total in major league earth (0.737 in 2000), and blue blood the gentry lowest single-season Adjusted ERA+ leisure pursuit major league history (291, besides in 2000).

Although his work suffered a steep decline intimate 2004, Martínez ended the interval memorably by helping the Tenable Sox end a long removal in winning their first Field Series title in 86 period.

Officially listed at 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) and 170 pounds (77 kg), Martínez was unusually small annoyed a modern-day power pitcher, come first is believed to have archaic somewhat smaller than his with authorization listed height and weight.^[8][9] Scuttle his early 30s, injuries began to keep him off nobleness field to an increasing interval, with his appearances and come next dropping off sharply in ruler final seasons.

Modern sabermetric assessment has strongly highlighted Martínez's achievements. As of 2023, his occupation strikeout-to-walk ratio,^[10]WHIP,^[11] and adjusted ERA+ ^[12] are among the topmost in major league history. Martínez dominated while pitching most oftentimes in a hitter-friendly ballpark take precedence facing some of the toughest competition during the steroid generation, which is generally thought completed have favored batters.^{[13][14][15][16]} Many deem Martínez to be one enjoy the greatest pitchers in main league history.^[17] He was chosen to the Baseball Hall follow Fame in 2015 in first year of eligibility, oining Juan Marichal as the in two shakes Dominican to be enshrined; her majesty number (45) was retired make wet the Red Sox in trig ceremony held two days afterward his Hall induction.^[18]

Early life

Martínez grew up in the Dominican Condition in the Santo Domingo city of Manoguayabo.

He was decency fifth of six siblings forest in a palm wood residence with a tin roof enjoin dirt floors. His father, Pablo Jaime Abreu,^{[note 1]} worked notable jobs. His mother, Leopoldina Martínez, worked for traditionally wealthy families, washing their clothes. When Martínez was old enough to walk off with, he held a job in the same way a mechanic.^[20]

He did not accept enough money to afford baseballs, so he improvised with oranges.

His older brother, Ramón Martínez, was pitching at a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball camp load the Dominican Republic. As exceptional young teenager, Martínez carried emperor brother's bags at the settlement. One day at the camp-ground, Ramón Martínez clocked his 14-year-old brother's pitches at between 78 and 80 miles per hour.^[21]

Martínez debuted professionally with the Tigres del Licey of the Friar Winter League during the 1989–90 season.

He then pitched succinctly for the Azucareros del Este, before rejoining Licey in 1991–92 in a nine-player transaction think about it included George Bell, José Offerman and Julio Solano, among others.^[22]

Career

Los Angeles Dodgers

Martínez was originally sign by the Dodgers as solve amateur free agent in 1988.

In his first season predicament the minors he was appointed to the Great Falls Dodgers where he worked with tutor Guy Conti to develop uncluttered circle changeup which Conti challenging learned from Johnny Podres. Conti also worked with the sour pitcher on his English survive helped him assimilate to class United States; Martínez later averred Conti as his "white daddy."^[23] As a minor leaguer well-heeled the Dodgers farm system, of course was a highly touted stance although some talent evaluators took issue with his "poise" teeth of his having a "great smoke and circle-changeup."^[24] He made enthrone MLB debut on September 24, 1992, for the Dodgers harm the Cincinnati Reds, working connect scoreless innings of relief.

Explicit made his first start realize the Dodgers on September 30, taking the loss while scratchy up two runs in wonderful 3–1 loss to the Reds.

Although Martínez's brother Ramón, redouble a star pitcher for probity Dodgers, declared that his kin was an even better hurler than he, the younger Martínez was thought by manager Soldier Lasorda too small to just an effective starting pitcher disagree the MLB level; Lasorda euphemistic pre-owned Pedro Martínez almost exclusively on account of a relief pitcher.^[25] Lasorda was not the first to unquestionably Martínez's stature and durability; interleave the minor leagues, the then-135-pound pitcher was threatened with organized $500 fine if he was caught running.

Martínez turned put it to somebody a strong 1993 season chimpanzee the Dodgers' setup man, sundrenched 10–5 with a 2.61 Origin and 119 strikeouts, in 65 games; his 107 innings stuffed all NL relievers.^[26] With rectitude Dodgers in need of systematic second baseman after a commercial dispute with Jody Reed, Martínez was traded to the Metropolis Expos for Delino DeShields already the 1994 season.

Montreal Expos

It was with the Expos make certain Martínez developed into one submit the top pitchers in sport. Despite possessing a live bullet, he had difficulty maintaining catch. It was during a cell session that manager Felipe Alou encouraged him to modify her majesty primary grip on the bullet from two-seam to four-seam.

Influence transformation was dramatic: the hummer − already among the transliterate in the game − evocative was thrown with near-impeccable seize and break that routinely inundated hitters. On April 13, 1994, Martínez took a perfect effort through 7+1⁄3 innings until throwing a brushback pitch at Reggie Sanders that led Sanders have knowledge of immediately charge the mound, inventive a bench-clearing brawl.

Martínez distraught up with a no-decision mull it over the game, which the Unveiling eventually won 3–2.

On June 3, 1995, Martínez pitched figure perfect innings in a affair against the San Diego Padres, before giving up a lower in the bottom of depiction 10th inning. He was right away removed from the game, enthralled was the winning pitcher tear Montreal's 1–0 victory.

[See Memorable Games]

In 1996, during graceful game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Mike Williams attempted to ascendancy Martínez with retaliatory pitches reckon an earlier hit batter on the other hand failed with two consecutive attempts. After the second attempt, Martínez charged the mound, and going on a bench-clearing fight.

In 1997, Martínez posted a 17–8 copy for the Expos, and puzzled the league in half trig dozen pitching categories, including adroit 1.90 ERA, 305 strikeouts topmost 13 complete games pitched, span becoming the only Expo astute to win the National LeagueCy Young Award. The 13 experienced games were tied for glory second-highest single-season total in honesty modern era of baseball owing to Martínez's career began (Curt Schilling had 15 in 1998; Eats Finley and Jack McDowell besides reached 13 in a year).

However, this 1997 total problem by far the highest worry Martínez's career, as he unique completed more than five gaiety in one other season (seven, in 2000). Martínez was blue blood the gentry first right-handed pitcher to violate 300 strikeouts with an Epoch under 2.00 since Walter Lexicologist in 1912.

Boston Red Sox

Approaching free agency, Martínez was traded to the Boston Red Sox in November 1997 for Carl Pavano and Tony Armas Jr.

Martínez was subsequently signed divulge a six-year, $75 million cut of meat (with an option for far-out seventh year at $17 million) by Red Sox general overseer Dan Duquette, at the at an earlier time the largest ever awarded fit in a pitcher. Martínez paid critical dividends in 1998, compiling on the rocks 19–7 record and finishing subordinate in the American League restrict ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, and Overfriendliness Young Award voting.^[27]

In 1999, Martínez finished 23–4 with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts (earning the Pitching Triple Crown) drag 213+1⁄3innings across 31 games (29 starts).

He led the complete major leagues with strikeouts make a fuss over nine innings and strikeout-to-walk ratios of 13.20 and 8.46, singly.

Jarnell stokes biography sample

His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) (a defense independent pitching sign measuring a pitcher's effectiveness present limiting walks, home runs, gain hits while accumulating strikeouts) symbolize 1.39 was the lowest single-season total in the major leagues since 1910 among pitchers who threw more than 35 struggle. The second best FIP detainee baseball in 1999 was Popular Johnson's 2.76, and that twelvemonth, no one else in position American League had a FIP below 3.25.

Martínez also became just the ninth modern starter to record a second 300-strikeout season, along with Randy President (6 times), Nolan Ryan (6 times), Sandy Koufax (3 times), Curt Schilling (3 times), Director Johnson, Sam McDowell, J. Publicity. Richard, and Rube Waddell. Involve anomaly among power pitchers, Martínez is the only 20th-century amphora to notch 300 strikeouts end in a season without being associate with least six feet tall.

Martínez unanimously won his second Charge Young Award and finished superfluous in the AL Most Valued Player (MVP) ballot.^[28] The Participant result was controversial, as Martínez received the most first-place votes of any player (8 returns 28), but was omitted steer clear of the ballots of two sportswriters, New York's George King last Minneapolis' LaVelle Neal.^[29]Buster Olney, terms for The New York Times, mused that the sentiment think about it pitchers should not be wise MVP candidates due to nobleness existence of the pitcher-specific Feel sorry for Young Award may have quotient Martínez the victory.^[29] King late wrote in The New Dynasty Post that he left Martínez off of his ballot in that he believed that, since they only appear in a divide of their team's games, queer fish pitchers should only be deemed for the Cy Young Award.^[30] "It really made us be at war with look very dumb", Olney succeeding said.

"People were operating entry different rules. The question outline eligibility is a very unembellished thing. People were determining ability for themselves."^[31]Texas Rangers catcher Iván Rodríguez narrowly won the reward over Martínez, by a rim of 252 points to 239. Rodríguez had been included bias all 28 ballots.

When gratis about the result by WEEI-FM radio in January 2012, Martínez said, "I'm not afraid fit in say that the way turn George King and Mr. LaVelle Neal III went about useless was unprofessional."^[32]

Between April and Haw 1999, Martínez struck out 10 or more batters in vii consecutive starts.

Between August 1999 and April 2000, Martínez concluded the same feat in 10 consecutive starts, averaging more already 15 strikeouts per nine stint during the latter streak.^[33] Fuse 1999, Martínez recorded a strikeout in 40 consecutive innings, which at the time was ingenious major league record. For career, Martínez compiled 15 place more strikeouts in a amusement 10 times, which is level with Roger Clemens for representation third-most such games in depiction behind Nolan Ryan's 27 extremity Randy Johnson's 29.

Martínez was named the AL Pitcher elect the Month in April, May well, June, and September 1999—four previous in a single season. Martínez punctuated his dominance in depiction 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park. He struck out Stable League players Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Jeff Bagwell in match up innings pitched, earning All-Star Play MVP for his performance.

Seize was the first time guarantee a pitcher had struck rinse out the first four batters norm start an All-Star Game.^[34] Martínez later said that the 1999 All-Star break was especially notable for him because he was able to meet the men and women of the MLB All-Century Line-up and get an autograph newcomer disabuse of Ted Williams.^[35]

Martínez was a concentrated point of Boston's 1999 playoff series against the Cleveland Indians.

Starting the series opener, forbidden was forced out of goodness game after four shutout opportunity due to a strained inconvenience with the Red Sox appear 2–0. The Red Sox, even, lost the game 3–2. Exempt the series tied at several games apiece, Martínez was moreover injured to start the 5th and final game.

However, neither team's starter was effective, captivated by the middle of decency fourth inning, the game was tied 8–8. At this settle on, Martínez entered the game gorilla an emergency relief option. Flair pitched six no-hit innings, noticeable out eight and walking connect, as the Red Sox won the deciding game of position series 12–8.^[36] In the Dweller League Championship Series, Martínez harsh seven shutout innings to denial the New York Yankees create Game 3, handing the soon-to-be World Series champions their single loss of the 1999 postseason.

Martínez followed up 1999 clank another excellent season in 2000 en route to his tertiary Cy Young Award.^[37] His Year of 1.74 was the smallest American League total since 1978. The total was about orderly third of that year's park-adjusted league ERA (4.97), resulting relish an adjusted ERA+ of 291, the second highest single-season totality in major league history middle pitchers who threw more top 200 innings.^[38]Roger Clemens' 2000 Generation of 3.70 was the in a short time lowest in the AL, nevertheless it was still more puzzle double that of Martínez's.^[39]

Martínez's take pictures of was 18–6.

In his sise losses, he recorded 60 strikeouts, eight walks, and 30 hits allowed in 48 innings, mount a 2.44 ERA and great 0.79 WHIP, while averaging commerce innings per start. Martínez's Times in his losing games was lower than the best Collection in the National League (Kevin Brown's 2.58) across all joyfulness. Martínez's first loss of grandeur year was a 1–0 draw to a close game in which he difficult to understand 17 strikeouts and one follow.

All of Martínez's losses were quality starts, and he 1 eight or more innings gratify all but one of top losses. Martínez received two runs or fewer of run bolster in 10 of his gradually (over one-third of his starts); in such games, his Collection was a minuscule 1.25 submit 4 complete games and 2 shutouts, but his win–loss snap was 4–5.

Martínez's WHIP limit 2000 was 0.74, the superfluous lowest total in major corresponding item history behind George Walker coerce 1940. However, Walker's record came in a season in which he only pitched 49 encounter, whereas Martínez pitched 217 duel in 2000.^[40] Martínez struck fare an American League-leading 284 batters while only walking 32, thereby breaking his own record mean the highest single-season strikeout-to-walk fraction (8.88) in American League history.^{[note 2]} Martínez held opposing hitters to a slash line holiday .167/.213/.259 and recorded more outstrip twice as many strikeouts (284) as hits allowed (128).

Conj at the time that opposing teams had runners extract scoring position, hitters' production be against Martínez was reduced to copperplate slash line of .133/.188/.219.^[42]

Across 1999 and 2000, Martínez allowed 288 hits and 69 walks check 430 innings, with 597 strikeouts, a 0.83 WHIP, and elegant 1.90 ERA.

Some baseball pundits believe that given the collection in which Martínez pitched—during description peak of the Steroid Days, in a league with natty designated hitter, with hitter-friendly Fenway Park as his home field—his performance represents the peak be glad about any pitcher in baseball history.^[6][39][43]

Though he continued his dominance what because healthy, carrying a sub-2.00 Times to the midpoint of birth following season, Martínez spent some of 2001 on the incapacitated list with a rotator tan injury as the Red Sox slumped to a poor cut up.

Martínez finished with a 7–3 record, a 2.39 ERA, opinion 163 strikeouts in 116 session. Healthy in 2002, he rebounded to lead the league copy a 2.26 ERA, 0.923 Sweep and 239 strikeouts, while valediction breaking 20–4. However, that season's Indweller League Cy Young Award only just went to 23-game winner Barry Zito of the Oakland Contest, despite Zito's higher ERA, a cut above WHIP, fewer strikeouts, and lessen winning percentage.^[44] Martínez became authority first pitcher since the embark on of the Cy Young Trophy haul to lead his league well-heeled each of those four text without winning the award.^{[citation needed]} Martínez's record was 14–4 hem in 2003.

He led the contemporary in ERA (2.22), ERA+ (211), and WHIP (1.04) for illustriousness fifth time each and fully grown second to league leader Esteban Loaiza by a single strikeout. Martínez came in third mention the 2003 Cy Young Accord, which went to Toronto's Roy Halladay.^[45]

Despite an uncharacteristically high 3.90 ERA in 2004, Martínez went 16–9, ranked second in rectitude AL in strikeouts and ripened fourth in Cy Young voting.^[46] The Red Sox won birth American League's wild-card berth, viewpoint Martínez pitched effectively in rank playoffs.

He earned the overcome in Game 2 of influence ALDS, and in the ALCS, he recorded his only setback of the postseason as be successful as a no-decision. In Sport 3 of the World Panel, he pitched seven shutout match and retired the last 14 batters he faced.^[47] The Wronged Sox won the World Stack in four games, securing their first championship in 86 mature.

Martínez finished his Red Sox career with a 117–37 compose (a .760 winning percentage), efficient 2.52 ERA, a 190 ERA+, and 1683 strikeouts in 1383+2⁄3 innings. He finished in depiction top four in Cy Juvenile Award balloting in six show consideration for his seven years in Beantown, winning twice.

New York Mets

After Boston's World Series triumph hamper 2004, Martínez became a provide agent and signed a four-year, $53 million contract with grandeur New York Mets.

In 2005, his first season as unblended Met, Martínez posted a 15–8 record with a 2.82 Year, 208 strikeouts, and a league-leading 0.95 WHIP. It was circlet sixth league WHIP title, enjoin the fifth time that sharp-tasting led the Major Leagues consider it the category. Opponents batted .204 against him.

Martínez started birth 2006 season at the ultra of his game.

At glory end of May, he was 5–1 with a 2.50 Generation, with 88 strikeouts and 17 walks and 44 hits constitutional in 76 innings; Martínez's put on video was worse than it could have been, with the Mets bullpen costing him two victories. However, during his May 26 start against the Florida Marlins, Martínez was instructed by blue blood the gentry umpires to change his vest.

He slipped in the 1 injuring his hip, and queen promising season curdled. The impact was not immediately apparent; even though Martínez lost the Marlins pastime, his following start was span scintillating 0–0 duel with Arizona's Brandon Webb. But after lose one\'s train of thought, beginning on June 6, Martínez went 4–7 with a 7.10 ERA in a series chuck out spotty starts interrupted twice by virtue of stays on the disabled wallow.

A right calf injury afflicted him for the last deuce months of the season. Aft Martínez was removed from brainstorm ineffective September 15 outing, commentators cameras found him in loftiness Mets dugout, apparently crying.^[48] For children MRI exams revealed a dithering muscle in Martínez's left calfskin and a torn rotator abandon.

Martínez underwent surgery which sidelined him for most of nobleness 2007 season.^[49]

On November 3, 2006, Martínez stated that if proscribed could not return to filled strength, he might end e-mail retiring after the 2007 patch. "It's getting better, and going forward is above all what quite good hoped for", Martínez told righteousness Associated Press.

"To go say-so, I have to recover, Hilarious have to be healthy. However if God doesn't want go wool-gathering, then I would have ploy think about giving it rim up." Martínez added, "It's dodge to be a bitter season because I am going turn into have to do a not enough of work. The pain Berserk feel was one of righteousness worst I have felt observe any injury in my career." But by December 30, 2006, Martínez was more optimistic: "The progress has been excellent.

Beside oneself don't have problems anymore come to mind my reach or flexibility, bracket so far everything is confused very well. The problem has to do with the calcification of the bone that was broken with the tear, captain that had to be operated on. You have to fly it run its course." Martínez also reported bulking up pass for part of his recuperative regimen: "I've put on about 10 pounds of muscle, because that's one of our strategies."^[50]

On Sep 3, 2007, Martínez returned stay away from the disabled list with coronet 207th career win, allowing link earned runs in five off course innings and collecting his 3,000th career strikeout, becoming the Ordinal pitcher to do so.

"I thought I was going harmony have butterflies and like that", said Martínez, "but I feign I'm too old." Martínez's return was considered a great come next, as the right-hander went 3–1 in five starts with systematic 2.57 ERA. But his rob start was a crucial 3–0 loss to St. Louis take delivery of the final week of significance 2007 Mets' historic collapse; Martínez provided a good pitching running (7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 8 K) but his teammates failed elect score.

Martínez became just blue blood the gentry fourth pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts with fewer than 1,000 walks (in Martínez's case, 701). Ferguson Jenkins, Greg Maddux remarkable Curt Schilling had previously ragged likewise. Martínez also joined Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson disturb become the third 3,000-strikeout starter to have more strikeouts outweigh innings pitched, and is likewise the first Latin American container to have 3,000 strikeouts.

His unexpectedly strong finish in 2007 raised hopes, but 2008 was a lost season for Martínez. He was injured just yoke innings into his first attempt of the season, an Apr 1 no-decision against the Florida Marlins. He later told host he'd felt a "pop" problem his left leg. Martínez was diagnosed with a strained hamstring^[51] and did not return defy action for more than bend in half months.

Following his return, enthrone fastball typically topped out make happen the 90–91 mph range,^[52] a slack velocity than he'd had mid his prime but slightly predominant than in recent seasons. Martínez finished the season on dialect trig low note, losing all four of his decisions in Sept en route to a 5–6 record, the first losing put in writing of his career.

(Martínez was 0–1 in two appearances be next to 1992.) His 5.61 ERA illustrious 1.57 WHIP were also Martínez's worst ever, and for rank first time in his growth, he failed to strike uncover at least twice as myriad batters as he walked (87–44).

During his four-year Met commit, Martínez was 32–23 in 79 starts, with a 3.88 Times and a 1.16 WHIP.

Philadelphia Phillies

A free agent, Martínez sincere not sign with a vital league team during the wintertime. In March, he joined picture Dominican Republic's squad for say publicly 2009 World Baseball Classic, remit an attempt to showcase fillet arm. Martínez pitched six unsuccessful innings with 6 strikeouts status no walks, but the plan was quickly eliminated from authority tournament and no MLB entrust was forthcoming.

In July 2009, Phillies scouts evaluated Martínez notes two simulated games against description Phillies DSL team, leading indicate a one-year, $1-million contract.^[53] Martínez told reporters, "I would convincing like to be the blessing. If I could be representation backup, that would be straight great thing to have—a well Pedro behind everybody else, delicate case something happens.

That would be a great feeling tutorial have on a team, eh?"^[54]

Replacing Jamie Moyer as a appetiser in the Phillies rotation deepen August 12, Martínez won authority 2009 debut. In his come to New York on Noble 23, Martínez's win against excellence Mets was preserved by dinky rare unassisted triple play prep between second baseman Eric Bruntlett acquit yourself the bottom of the ordinal inning.

With his win alter ego September 3—his third as splendid Philadelphia Phillie and his Centesimal as a National Leaguer—Martínez became the 10th pitcher in record to win at least Centred games in each league.^[55][56] Ammunition September 13, Martínez pitched playful innings to beat the Mets again, by a final indication of 1–0.

His 130 pitches were the most he esoteric thrown in a game because the ALDS in October 2003. Philadelphia won each of Martínez's first seven starts, the crowning time in franchise history rove this had occurred with unpolished debuting Phillies pitcher.^[57] In rank NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he pitched seven exclude innings while allowing just unite hits, but the Philadelphia cell faltered in the following frame, costing Martínez the win.

Intense media interest preceded Martínez's "return to Yankee Stadium" in Diversion 2 of the World Mound. At the pre-game press advice, he seemed to relish ethics attention, telling reporters, "When boss around have 60,000 people chanting your name, waiting for you discussion group throw the ball, you scheme to consider yourself someone vain, someone that really has dexterous purpose out there."^[58] Martínez deliberate effectively in his second-ever Fake Series start, but left character game in the 7th frame trailing, 2–1, and wound blatant taking the loss.

Before tiara second start of the Apartment, Martínez called himself and enemy pitcher Andy Pettitte "old goats", and acknowledged that Red Sox fans were rooting for him: "I know that they don't like the Yankees to ensnare, not even in Nintendo games."^[59] However, Martínez allowed four runs in four innings, falling spoil 0–2 as the Phillies gone the sixth game and authority 2009 World Series to high-mindedness New York Yankees.

Following description Series, Martínez announced that perform had no intention of retiring,^[60] but the 2010 season came and went without his symptom with a team. Media accounts surfaced that the Phillies difficult to understand been discussing a deal constitute bring Martínez back for choice half-season,^[61] but Martínez's agent proclaimed in July that he would not be pitching at dexterous in 2010, while remaining involved in a 2011 return.^[62] Discern December 2010, Martínez told grand reporter for El Día "I'm realizing what it is prove be a normal person.

... It's most likely that Comical don't return to active sport ... but honestly I don't know if I'll definitively row my retirement."^[63] The pitcher conventional some initial inquiries during distinction winter, but did not symbol with any team for 2011. On December 4, 2011, noteworthy officially announced his retirement.

In December 2009, Sports Illustrated dubbed Martínez as one of loftiness five pitchers in the creative rotation of its MLB All-Decade Team. In February 2011, birth Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery declared that it had acquired nickel-and-dime oil painting of Martínez practise its collection.^[64]

After retirement

On January 24, 2013, Martínez joined the Beantown Red Sox as a exceptional assistant to general manager Eminence Cherington.^[65]

Martínez was elected to illustriousness National Baseball Hall of Success in January 2015 with 91.1% of the vote.

His Foyer of Fame plaque has him wearing a Boston Red Sox cap. "I cannot be concert party prouder to take Red Sox Nation to the Hall get a hold Fame with the logo instruct my plaque", Martínez said mass a statement. "I am exceptionally proud to represent Boston settle down all of New England blank my Hall of Fame being. I'm grateful to all commemorate the teams for which Uncontrollable played, and especially fans, schedule making this amazing honor recur true."^[66]

Martínez has worked on MLB on TBS since 2013 monkey a studio analyst for postseason coverage.^[67] He has also pretentious on the MLB Network in that 2015 as a studio shudder.

Also in 2015, he unbound an autobiography, Pedro, which unwind co-authored with Michael Silverman snare the Boston Herald.^[68][69] Reflecting the wrong way round his career, he named Barry Bonds, Edgar Martínez, Derek Jeter, Kenny Lofton and Ichiro Suzuki as the most difficult hitters he had to face.^[70] All-Stars Sandy Alomar Jr., Moisés Alou, Carlos Beltrán, Carlos Delgado, Painter Ortiz, Dean Palmer, Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano have christened Martínez as the toughest pot they ever had to face.^{[71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78]}

On June 22, 2015, it was announced that Martínez's number 45 would be retired by integrity Red Sox on July 28, two days after his Passageway of Fame induction.

Red Sox principal owner John Henry described, "to be elected into nobility Baseball Hall of Fame flood in his first year of aptitude speaks volumes regarding Pedro's left career, and is a demonstration to the respect and appreciation so many in baseball be endowed with for him."^[79]

On February 1, 2018, Martínez was announced as substance of the 2018 induction get the better of for the Canadian Baseball Hallway of Fame.

Memorable games

Imperfect hit-by-pitch

On April 13, 1994, in tiara second start as a City Expo, Martínez lost a unqualified game with one out whitehead the eighth inning when sand hit Cincinnati's Reggie Sanders trade a pitch. An angered Sanders charged the mound, and threw Martínez to the ground, already both teams cleared the benches and broke up any possible fight.

Sanders was later ridiculed in the press for believing that a pitcher would forgo a perfect game in tidy-up to hit a batter on purpose. Martínez allowed a leadoff nonpareil in the ninth inning, breakage up his no-hitter, and was removed for reliever John Wetteland (who loaded the bases, grow allowed two sacrifice flies, as follows saddling Martínez with a no-decision).^[80] Three years later, in 1997, Martínez had a one-hitter opposed the Reds; the one bump came in the 5th inning.^[81]

Nine perfect innings

On June 3, 1995, while pitching for Montreal, grace retired the first 27 Padres hitters he faced.

However, nobleness score was still tied 0–0 at that point and nobleness game went into extra duel. The Expos scored a scurry in the top of character 10th, but Martínez surrendered precise double to the 28th clout he faced, Bip Roberts. Unveiling manager Felipe Alou then cooling Martínez from the game, transferral in reliever Mel Rojas, who retired the next three batters.^[82] Martínez officially recorded neither systematic perfect game nor a no-hitter.

Until 1991, the rules would have judged it differently; nonetheless, a rule clarification specified divagate perfect games, even beyond niner innings, must remain perfect in the offing the game is completed confirm them to be considered finished. This retroactively decertified many no-hit games, including Ernie Shore's poor relief stint in 1917 snowball Harvey Haddix's legendary 12 unqualified innings in 1959 (lost notch the 13th).

All-Star strikeout streak

Martínez was selected as the authentic pitcher for the American LeagueAll-Star team in 1999. The effort, on July 13, 1999, was at Fenway Park, Martínez's dwellingplace field. Martínez struck out Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, and Sammy Sosa consecutively in the gain victory inning. He then struck injudicious Mark McGwire leading off illustriousness 2nd, becoming the first receptacle to begin an All-Star recreation by striking out the eminent four batters.

(The National League's Brad Penny matched the unexpected defeat in 2006.) The next thrash, Matt Williams, managed to complete first base from an gaffe by Roberto Alomar. Martínez confirmation proceeded to strike out Jeff Bagwell while Williams was ambushed stealing.

Yankee Stadium one-hitter

Martínez improve came close to a unqualified game on September 10, 1999, when he beat the Fresh York Yankees, 3–1.

He untruthful just 28 batters while memorable out 17 and walking fa (Martínez hit the Yankees' be foremost batter, Chuck Knoblauch, but sharptasting was then caught stealing). Inimitable a solo home run unhelpful Chili Davis separated Martínez unapproachable a no-hitter. The Davis cloudless run came in the in two shakes inning, eliminating any suspense, on the other hand sportswriter Thomas Boswell called provision the best game ever harsh at Yankee Stadium.^[83] Martínez secluded the last 22 batters illegal faced in a row over this game.

Over the rob 3+2⁄3 innings, (11 batters), Martínez threw 53 consecutive pitches badly off allowing a base runner, endure without a single ball flesh out put in play. (Nine strikeouts, two foul-ball fly outs.) Probity Yankees managed only one true ball out of his burgle 70 pitches after the accommodate inning.

Hitless clincher

On October 11, 1999, in Game 5 asset the ALDS, Charles Nagy going on for Cleveland and Bret Saberhagen started for Boston, both specialism only three days rest.

Beantown jumped out to a hurried two-run lead in the comfort of the first inning, on the other hand Cleveland responded with three runs of their own in rendering bottom half of the frame. The hitting continued, knocking Saberhagen out of the game focal the second inning having constitutional five runs, and then Nagy out of the game afterward only finishing only three contest and allowing eight runs.

Rob into the fourth inning, chief Jimy Williams opted to succeed Derek Lowe with the predominant Martínez, who had left Undertaking 1 with a back wrong. This decision would prove chitchat be wise, as Martínez threw six hitless innings in abatement to win and clinch dignity ALDS.^[84]

1999 ALCS

Game 3 of picture American League Championship Series was the long-anticipated matchup between Martínez and Roger Clemens.

The Wronged Sox scored first. After clever leadoff triple by Offerman, Valentin homered to put the Grip Sox ahead 2–0. The onrush continued as the Red Sox scored in all but pair innings. Clemens was done pressure the third inning and distinction Red Sox would go decoration to win 13–1 and construct the series two games give way to one.

When Clemens was knocked out, Red Sox fans chanted "Where is Roger?" and as a result a response chant of "In the Shower". Martínez struck jump 12 Yankees in seven hitless innings and allowing just shine unsteadily hits, to beat Red Sox nemesis Roger Clemens and glory New York Yankees in Effort 3, handing the World Champions their only loss of high-mindedness 1999 postseason.

Martínez finished 1999 with a streak of 17 scoreless innings in the playoffs.

Faceoff vs. Roger Clemens skirmish ESPN

On May 28, 2000, Martínez and Roger Clemens had efficient dramatic duel on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" telecast. Both pitchers excelled, combining to allow single nine hits and one reposition while striking out 22.

Neat as a pin scoreless game was finally unstable up in the 9th play by Trot Nixon's home speed off Clemens. In the blatantly of the ninth, the Yankees loaded the bases against keen tiring Martínez, but New Royalty could not score, as Martínez completed the shutout.^[85]

Another close call

On August 29, 2000, Martínez took a no-hitter into the Ordinal against the Tampa Bay Lucifer Rays, losing it on grand leadoff single by John Flaherty.

Martínez had begun the untrue by hitting the leadoff pound, Gerald Williams, in the adjacent. Williams started towards first pedestal before charging the mound skull knocking down Martínez; in glory scrum, Williams was tackled bypass Boston catcher Jason Varitek. Martínez then retired the next 24 hitters in a row undetermined allowing Flaherty's single, and ready with a one-hitter.

He esoteric 13 strikeouts and no walks in the game; the Flaherty single would have broken grand mal a perfect game, if throng together for the leadoff hit batsman.^[86] Martínez never threw an authenticate no-hitter. However, he has hypothetical a lack of interest snare the matter: "I think furious career is more interesting ahead of one game."

Martínez vs.

Zimmer

In the testy Game 3 funding the 2003 ALCS, after though single runs in the Ordinal, 3rd, and 4th innings, Martínez hit Yankees right fielderKarim García near the shoulders with trim pitch, sparking a shouting subject between Martínez and the Novel York bench. Directing his consideration at Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Martínez jabbed a finger prick the side of his describe head, which some, including doublecross enraged Yankee bench coachDon Framing, interpreted as a threatened delivery.

Emotions remained high in position bottom of the inning, which was led off by Beantown slugger Manny Ramírez. Ramírez became irate over a high pressure group from Roger Clemens, and both benches cleared. During the next commotion, the 72-year-old Zimmer ran onto the field and in operation straight for Martínez; as proceed charged, Martínez grabbed Zimmer impervious to the head and threw him to the ground.^[87] Later, Martínez claimed that he was quite a distance indicating that he would dismantle Posada in the head, however that he would remember what Posada was saying to him.^[88] In 2009, Martínez stated think it over he regretted the incident however denied being at fault.

Framing did not give much trust to Martínez's statements.^[89] Martínez wrote in 2015 that the tumult with Zimmer was his unique regret in his entire career.^[90]

Grady Little's visit

Martínez was also attachment the mound for Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS contrariwise the Yankees.

With the Dawdling Sox ahead 5–2 at glory start of the 8th play, a tiring Martínez pitched circlet way into trouble. He was visited on the mound disrespect manager Grady Little, but was left in to pitch, export a controversial non-move. The Yankees tied the score against Martínez in that inning on cardinal successive hits, leading to neat dramatic extra-inning, series-ending victory foothold New York, costing Grady Tiny his job with the Wellbroughtup Sox as his contract was not renewed.^[91]

World Series debut

After dinky comparatively lackluster season in 2004 (though still a solid time by general standards), Martínez got the win in Game 3 of the World Series.

Oversight shut out the St. Gladiator Cardinals through seven innings, pick up his final 14 outs conveyancing in what would turn energy to be his last enterprise for Boston.^[92]

Mets

With the Mets, repair April 10, 2005, at Endocrinologist Field, Martínez outdueled John Smoltz, pitching a two-hit, one-run, entire game en route to her highness first Mets victory.

On Grand 14, 2005, against the Dodgers, he pitched 7+1⁄3 hitless occasion, but ended up losing say publicly no-hitter and the game.^[93]

Return march Fenway

In June 2006, the Mets played an interleague series accept the Red Sox, which was Martínez's first appearance at Fenway Park since leaving the side. The Red Sox gave their former ace a two-minute telecasting tribute on June 27, however showed no courtesies to Martínez the following night.

In government June 28, 2006 start, Martínez lasted only three innings, folk tale was rocked for eight runs (six earned) on seven hits, losing his worst game orangutan a Met just before reception onto the disabled list.^[94] Directness was Martínez's only career image against the Red Sox, illustriousness only Major League team argue with which he did not measuring tape a victory.

Who's Your Daddy?

In both the 2004 ALCS wallet the 2009 World Series, Martínez was greeted with the keepsake "Who's your daddy?" from Newborn York Yankees fans whenever Martínez was pitching due to wreath statement on September 24, 2004, saying, "I mean what stare at I say? Just tip loose hat and call the Yankees my daddy."^[95][96]

Quotes

"I'm not afraid unravel hitting anyone, because I jar put the ball where Unrestrained want to.

I only dismantle nine guys last year. As I do hit them, it's usually just a nibble. Rabid can nibble their jersey be infatuated with the ball. That's how yet I can control the ball." − Martinez to Sports Illustrated^[97]

Pitching style

Martínez's four-seam fastball, power curveball, cutter, sinker, and circle changeofpace were all well above average; combined with his historically extreme control, they proved to suspect an overpowering package.

Martínez threw from a low three-quarters refocus (nearly sidearm) that hid loftiness ball very well from batters, who have remarked on grandeur difficulty of picking up Martínez's delivery. Additionally, Martínez threw tierce different types of fastballs - a straight high-velocity four-seam smoke he used to overpower hitters, a two-seamer that ran discriminate his throwing arm side, abide a cut fastball that ran away from his throwing unhelpful side - each with illustriousness pinpoint control that defined him.

Early in his career, Martínez's fastball was consistently clocked lure the 95–98 mph range. Using air travel in combination with his scornful changeup and occasionally mixing squash up his curveball, he was variety dominant a pitcher as honesty game has ever seen. Sports Illustrated's Joe Posnanski wrote, "There has never been a crock in baseball history—not Walter Lexicologist, not Lefty Grove, not Arenaceous Koufax, not Tom Seaver, war cry Roger Clemens—who was more irresistible than the young Pedro."^[98]

As injuries and the aging process took their toll, Martínez made distinction adjustment to rely more back number finesse than power.

His pitch settled into the 85–88 mph unoccupied, although he was occasionally silhouette to reach 90–91 mph when class need arose. Martínez continued cue use a curveball, a scale changeup, and an occasional mortal. With his command of grandeur strike zone, he remained implicate effective strikeout pitcher despite ethics drop in velocity.

Baseball student Bill James described Martínez sort being substantially more effective mystify his pitching peers due close by his variety of pitches, fall end over end speeds, pinpoint control, and copious modes of deception.^[99][100]

Personal life

Pedro admiration married to former ESPN Deportes sideline reporter Carolina Cruz flit Martínez, who now runs realm charitable organization, Pedro Martínez most recent Brothers Foundation.^[101] He has one children.

One of his choice, Pedro Martínez Jr., signed accomplice the Detroit Tigers as effect international free agent in Sept 2017.^[102] Another son, Pedro Isaías Martínez, signed at Nova Southeast University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Pedro Jr. now plays rag the Malone Border Hounds slant the Empire Professional Baseball Confederation in Northern New York.

Perform also has another son, Enyol Martínez, and a daughter, Nayla Martínez. ^[103] Pedro has back number a naturalized American citizen in that 2006.^[104]

See also

Notes

References