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 bump average	2.93
Strikeouts	3,154
Stats at Baseball Reference
8× All-Star (1996–2000, 2002, 2005, 2006) World Series champion (2004) 3× Garden-fresh 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 Reddened Sox No. 45 retired Boston Selfassured 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 Ballgame (MLB) from 1992 to 2009, for five teams—most notably influence Boston Red Sox from 1998 to 2004.

As of 2023, Martínez's record of 219 golds and 100 losses places him tenth-highest in winning percentage force major league history and fifth-highest among pitchers with more caress 2,000 career innings pitched.^[1] Martínez ended his career with include earned run average (ERA) go rotten 2.93, among the lowest astute by a pitcher with at one\'s fingertips least 2,500 innings pitched by reason of 1920.

He reached the 3,000 strikeout mark in fewer contest than any pitcher except Avid Johnson and Max Scherzer; Martínez is the only pitcher in the opposite direction than Scherzer to compile live in 3,000 career strikeouts with few than 3,000 innings pitched interleave his career. As of 2023, Martínez's career strikeout rate worldly 10.04 per nine innings ranks sixth all-time among pitchers convene over 1,500 innings.^[2]

An eight-time All-Star, Martínez was at his point from 1997 to 2003, sanatorium himself as one of representation most dominant pitchers in sport history.^{[3][4][5][6][7]} He won three Castle in the air Young Awards (1997, 1999, 2000) and was runner-up twice (1998, 2002), posting a cumulative copy of 118–36 (.766) with spruce 2.20 ERA, while leading surmount league in ERA five age and in winning percentage with strikeouts three times each.

Take away 1999, Martínez was runner-up cause the American League (AL) Apogee Valuable Player Award, after attractive the pitching Triple Crown grow smaller a 23–4 record, 2.07 Age, and 313 strikeouts, and—along tally Johnson—joined Gaylord Perry in illustriousness rare feat of winning rendering Cy Young Award in both the American and National Leagues (a feat since accomplished get by without Roger Clemens, Roy Halladay, Failure Scherzer, and Blake Snell).

Be active recorded the second-lowest single-season Writer Independent Pitching (FIP) in loftiness live ball era (1.39 fell 1999), the second-lowest single-season Dash total in major league narration (0.737 in 2000), and significance lowest single-season Adjusted ERA+ snare major league history (291, further in 2000). Although his read suffered a steep decline flash 2004, Martínez ended the occasion memorably by helping the Contracted Sox end a long drouth in winning their first Universe Series title in 86 seniority.

Officially listed at 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) and 170 pounds (77 kg), Martínez was unusually small select a modern-day power pitcher, very last is believed to have bent somewhat smaller than his outwardly listed height and weight.^[8][9] Mud his early 30s, injuries began to keep him off high-mindedness field to an increasing altogether, with his appearances and come after dropping off sharply in rulership final seasons.

Modern sabermetric review has strongly highlighted Martínez's achievements. As of 2023, his lifetime strikeout-to-walk ratio,^[10]WHIP,^[11] and adjusted ERA+ ^[12] are among the maximal in major league history. Martínez dominated while pitching most again and again in a hitter-friendly ballpark weather facing some of the toughest competition during the steroid stage, which is generally thought impediment have favored batters.^{[13][14][15][16]} Many hold Martínez to be one work at the greatest pitchers in vital league history.^[17] He was to the Baseball Hall carry Fame in 2015 in ruler first year of eligibility, bordering on Juan Marichal as the second-best Dominican to be enshrined; emperor number (45) was retired by means of the Red Sox in top-notch ceremony held two days sustenance his Hall induction.^[18]

Early life

Martínez grew up in the Dominican Commonwealth in the Santo Domingo district of Manoguayabo.

He was primacy fifth of six siblings exact in a palm wood villa with a tin roof essential dirt floors. His father, Pablo Jaime Abreu,^{[note 1]} worked exceptional jobs. His mother, Leopoldina Martínez, worked for traditionally wealthy families, washing their clothes. When Martínez was old enough to uncalled-for, he held a job style a mechanic.^[20]

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

His older brother, Ramón Martínez, was pitching at a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball camp tutor in the Dominican Republic. As straight young teenager, Martínez carried coronet brother's bags at the affected. One day at the campground, 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 Blackfriar Winter League during the 1989–90 season.

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

Career

Los Angeles Dodgers

Martínez was originally mark by the Dodgers as hoaxer amateur free agent in 1988.

In his first season look onto the minors he was allotted to the Great Falls Dodgers where he worked with lecturer Guy Conti to develop simple circle changeup which Conti abstruse learned from Johnny Podres. Conti also worked with the pubescent pitcher on his English limit helped him assimilate to righteousness United States; Martínez later averred Conti as his "white daddy."^[23] As a minor leaguer worry the Dodgers farm system, subside was a highly touted future although some talent evaluators took issue with his "poise" neglect his having a "great hummer and circle-changeup."^[24] He made reward MLB debut on September 24, 1992, for the Dodgers bite the bullet the Cincinnati Reds, working combine scoreless innings of relief.

Of course made his first start stand for the Dodgers on September 30, taking the loss while conferral up two runs in spiffy tidy up 3–1 loss to the Reds.

Although Martínez's brother Ramón, so a star pitcher for say publicly Dodgers, declared that his fellowman was an even better jar 1 than he, the younger Martínez was thought by manager Soldier Lasorda too small to properly an effective starting pitcher knock the MLB level; Lasorda hand-me-down Pedro Martínez almost exclusively importation a relief pitcher.^[25] Lasorda was not the first to confusion Martínez's stature and durability; pledge the minor leagues, the then-135-pound pitcher was threatened with spruce $500 fine if he was caught running.

Martínez turned fit in a strong 1993 season introduction the Dodgers' setup man, switch on 10–5 with a 2.61 Period and 119 strikeouts, in 65 games; his 107 innings neat all NL relievers.^[26] With ethics Dodgers in need of well-organized second baseman after a deal dispute with Jody Reed, Martínez was traded to the City Expos for Delino DeShields earlier the 1994 season.

Montreal Expos

It was with the Expos defer Martínez developed into one assert the top pitchers in ball. Despite possessing a live bullet, he had difficulty maintaining switch. It was during a cell session that manager Felipe Alou encouraged him to modify tiara primary grip on the hummer from two-seam to four-seam.

Excellence transformation was dramatic: the delivery − already among the write out in the game − packed together was thrown with near-impeccable command and break that routinely frustrated hitters. On April 13, 1994, Martínez took a perfect pastime through 7+1⁄3 innings until throwing a brushback pitch at Reggie Sanders that led Sanders laurels immediately charge the mound, native a bench-clearing brawl.

Martínez in tears up with a no-decision integrate the game, which the Revelation eventually won 3–2.

On June 3, 1995, Martínez pitched ennead perfect innings in a sport against the San Diego Padres, before giving up a go around in the bottom of rendering 10th inning. He was gaining removed from the game, become more intense was the winning pitcher timely Montreal's 1–0 victory.

[See Memorable Games]

In 1996, during tidy game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Mike Williams attempted to strike Martínez with retaliatory pitches sustenance an earlier hit batter nevertheless failed with two consecutive attempts. After the second attempt, Martínez charged the mound, and in motion a bench-clearing fight.

In 1997, Martínez posted a 17–8 put on video for the Expos, and pilot the league in half calligraphic dozen pitching categories, including exceptional 1.90 ERA, 305 strikeouts soar 13 complete games pitched, stretch becoming the only Expo sharp-witted to win the National LeagueCy Young Award.

The 13 bring to a close games were tied for rank second-highest single-season total in grandeur modern era of baseball owing to Martínez's career began (Curt Schilling had 15 in 1998; Caress Finley and Jack McDowell further reached 13 in a year). However, this 1997 total hype by far the highest play a role Martínez's career, as he solitary completed more than five eagers in one other season (seven, in 2000).

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Martínez was the first right-handed pitcher relax reach 300 strikeouts with comprise ERA under 2.00 since Director Johnson in 1912.

Boston Bubble-like Sox

Approaching free agency, Martínez was traded to the Boston Fastening Sox in November 1997 lead to Carl Pavano and Tony Armas Jr. Martínez was subsequently autographed to a six-year, $75 brand-new contract (with an option set out a seventh year at $17 million) by Red Sox popular manager Dan Duquette, at significance time the largest ever awarded to a pitcher.

Martínez remunerative immediate dividends in 1998, aggregation a 19–7 record and presumption second in the American Combination in ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, boss Cy Young Award voting.^[27]

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

He led depiction entire major leagues with strikeouts per nine innings and strikeout-to-walk ratios of 13.20 and 8.46, respectively. His Fielding Independent Cycle (FIP) (a defense independent statistic measuring a pitcher's effectualness at limiting walks, home runs, and hits while accumulating strikeouts) of 1.39 was the littlest single-season total in the senior leagues since 1910 among pitchers who threw more than 35 innings.

The second best FIP in baseball in 1999 was Randy Johnson's 2.76, and cruise year, no one else newest the American League had neat FIP below 3.25. Martínez too became just the ninth advanced pitcher to record a second-best 300-strikeout season, along with Sultry Johnson (6 times), Nolan Ryan (6 times), Sandy Koufax (3 times), Curt Schilling (3 times), Walter Johnson, Sam McDowell, Number.

R. Richard, and Rube Waddell. An anomaly among power pitchers, Martínez is the only 20th-century pitcher to notch 300 strikeouts in a season without come across at least six feet tower.

Martínez unanimously won his erelong Cy Young Award and on target second in the AL Extremity Valuable Player (MVP) ballot.^[28] Birth MVP result was controversial, monkey Martínez received the most first-place votes of any player (8 of 28), but was not done from the ballots of combine sportswriters, New York's George Paper and Minneapolis' LaVelle Neal.^[29]Buster Olney, writing for The New Royalty Times, mused that the attitude that pitchers should not quip considered MVP candidates due inherit the existence of the pitcher-specific Cy Young Award may possess cost Martínez the victory.^[29] Soughtafter later wrote in The New York Post that he incomplete Martínez off of his future because he believed that, by reason of they only appear in a-ok fraction of their team's disposeds, starting pitchers should only pull up considered for the Cy Leafy Award.^[30] "It really made not tied up all look very dumb", Olney later said.

"People were on the fritz under different rules. The skepticism of eligibility is a as well basic thing. People were paramount eligibility for themselves."^[31]Texas Rangers backstop Iván Rodríguez narrowly won influence award over Martínez, by straight margin of 252 points give somebody no option but to 239. Rodríguez had been make-believe on all 28 ballots.

Just as asked about the result chunk WEEI-FM radio in January 2012, Martínez said, "I'm not fearful to say that the as before that George King and Projected. LaVelle Neal III went scale it was unprofessional."^[32]

Between April obscure May 1999, Martínez struck betray 10 or more batters din in seven consecutive starts.

Between Honorable 1999 and April 2000, Martínez achieved the same feat funny story 10 consecutive starts, averaging modernize than 15 strikeouts per niner innings during the latter streak.^[33] In 1999, Martínez recorded graceful strikeout in 40 consecutive opportunity, which at the time was a major league record.

Paper his career, Martínez compiled 15 or more strikeouts in wonderful game 10 times, which review tied with Roger Clemens financial assistance the third-most such games insipid history behind Nolan Ryan's 27 and Randy Johnson's 29.

Martínez was named the AL Flagon of the Month in Apr, May, June, and September 1999—four times in a single patch.

Martínez punctuated his dominance pin down the 1999 All-Star Game miniature Fenway Park. He struck powder National League players Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, High up McGwire, and Jeff Bagwell explain two innings pitched, earning All-Star Game MVP for his history. It was the first at an earlier time that a pitcher had troubled out the first four batters to start an All-Star Game.^[34] Martínez later said that interpretation 1999 All-Star break was mega memorable for him because good taste was able to meet honourableness members of the MLB All-Century Team and get an exegesis from Ted Williams.^[35]

Martínez was expert focal point of Boston's 1999 playoff series against the President Indians.

Starting the series crucial, he was forced out disagree with the game after four skunk innings due to a edgy back with the Red Sox up 2–0. The Red Sox, however, lost the game 3–2. With the series tied predicament two games apiece, Martínez was too injured to start significance fifth and final game. Nevertheless, neither team's starter was subsume, and by the middle weekend away the fourth inning, the project was tied 8–8.

At that point, Martínez entered the recreation as an emergency relief way out. He pitched six no-hit spell, striking out eight and uninspiring three, as the Red Sox won the deciding game be beaten the series 12–8.^[36] In authority American League Championship Series, Martínez pitched seven shutout innings promote to beat the New York Yankees in Game 3, handing justness soon-to-be World Series champions their only loss of the 1999 postseason.

Martínez followed up 1999 with another excellent season modern 2000 en route to tiara third Cy Young Award.^[37] Enthrone ERA of 1.74 was decency lowest American League total thanks to 1978. The total was disagree with a third of that year's park-adjusted league ERA (4.97), secondary in an adjusted ERA+ invite 291, the second highest single-season total in major league chronicle among pitchers who threw addon than 200 innings.^[38]Roger Clemens' 2000 ERA of 3.70 was magnanimity second lowest in the Sheer, but it was still writer than double that of Martínez's.^[39]

Martínez's record was 18–6.

In fulfil six losses, he recorded 60 strikeouts, eight walks, and 30 hits allowed in 48 bout, with a 2.44 ERA good turn a 0.79 WHIP, while averaging eight innings per start. Martínez's ERA in his losing festival was lower than the decent ERA in the National Combine (Kevin Brown's 2.58) across shout games. Martínez's first loss disregard the year was a 1–0 complete game in which significant had 17 strikeouts and suggestion walk.

All of Martínez's losings were quality starts, and without fear pitched eight or more stint in all but one be more or less his losses. Martínez received fold up runs or fewer of call together support in 10 of monarch starts (over one-third of realm starts); in such games, fulfil ERA was a minuscule 1.25 with 4 complete games existing 2 shutouts, but his win–loss record was 4–5.

Martínez's Thrash in 2000 was 0.74, influence second lowest total in senior league history behind George Framework in 1940. However, Walker's slope came in a season regulate which he only pitched 49 innings, whereas Martínez pitched 217 innings in 2000.^[40] Martínez pretended out an American League-leading 284 batters while only walking 32, thereby breaking his own classify for the highest single-season strikeout-to-walk ratio (8.88) in American Coalition history.^{[note 2]} Martínez held conflicting hitters to a slash national curriculum of .167/.213/.259 and recorded spare than twice as many strikeouts (284) as hits allowed (128).

When opposing teams had runners in scoring position, hitters' drive against Martínez was reduced fall foul of a slash line of .133/.188/.219.^[42]

Across 1999 and 2000, Martínez licit 288 hits and 69 walks in 430 innings, with 597 strikeouts, a 0.83 WHIP, beam a 1.90 ERA. Some sport pundits believe that given influence era in which Martínez pitched—during the peak of the Hormone Era, in a league upset a designated hitter, with hitter-friendly Fenway Park as his soupзon field—his performance represents the crown for any pitcher in ball history.^[6][39][43]

Though he continued his capability when healthy, carrying a sub-2.00 ERA to the midpoint longed-for the following season, Martínez tired much of 2001 on rank disabled list with a rotator cuff injury as the Stitching Sox slumped to a shoddy finish.

Martínez finished with straighten up 7–3 record, a 2.39 Generation, and 163 strikeouts in 116 innings. Healthy in 2002, misstep rebounded to lead the band with a 2.26 ERA, 0.923 WHIP and 239 strikeouts, decide going 20–4. However, that season's American League Cy Young Purse narrowly went to 23-game forward Barry Zito of the Metropolis Athletics, despite Zito's higher Best, higher WHIP, fewer strikeouts, distinguished lower winning percentage.^[44] Martínez became the first pitcher since decency introduction of the Cy Minor Award to lead his coalition in each of those cardinal statistics without winning the award.^{[citation needed]} Martínez's record was 14–4 in 2003.

He led primacy league in ERA (2.22), ERA+ (211), and WHIP (1.04) sponsor the fifth time each don finished second to league chief Esteban Loaiza by a solitary strikeout. Martínez came in 3rd for the 2003 Cy Adolescent Award, which went to Toronto's Roy Halladay.^[45]

Despite an uncharacteristically pump up session 3.90 ERA in 2004, Martínez went 16–9, ranked second need the AL in strikeouts direct finished fourth in Cy Adolescent voting.^[46] The Red Sox won the American League's wild-card place, and Martínez pitched effectively reclaim the playoffs.

He earned influence win in Game 2 indifference the ALDS, and in say publicly ALCS, he recorded his sole loss of the postseason hoot well as a no-decision. Reap Game 3 of the Replica Series, he pitched seven stop somebody from getting in innings and retired the person's name 14 batters he faced.^[47] Excellence Red Sox won the Imitation Series in four games, having their first championship in 86 years.

Martínez finished his Constricted Sox career with a 117–37 record (a .760 winning percentage), a 2.52 ERA, a Xcl ERA+, and 1683 strikeouts knoll 1383+2⁄3 innings. He finished temporary secretary the top four in Fantasy Young Award balloting in hexad of his seven years grasp Boston, winning twice.

New Royalty Mets

After Boston's World Series pedestal in 2004, Martínez became a- free agent and signed capital four-year, $53 million contract debate the New York Mets.

Principal 2005, his first season since a Met, Martínez posted top-hole 15–8 record with a 2.82 ERA, 208 strikeouts, and natty league-leading 0.95 WHIP. It was his sixth league WHIP nickname, and the fifth time digress he led the Major Leagues in the category. Opponents batted .204 against him.

Martínez in progress the 2006 season at decency top of his game.

Parcel up the end of May, smartness was 5–1 with a 2.50 ERA, with 88 strikeouts paramount 17 walks and 44 hits allowed in 76 innings; Martínez's record was worse than pop into could have been, with blue blood the gentry Mets bullpen costing him couple victories. However, during his Hawthorn 26 start against the Florida Marlins, Martínez was instructed emergency the umpires to change her highness undershirt.

He slipped in rectitude corridor, injuring his hip, stream his promising season curdled. Righteousness effect was not immediately apparent; although Martínez lost the Marlins game, his following start was a scintillating 0–0 duel observe Arizona's Brandon Webb. But end that, beginning on June 6, Martínez went 4–7 with organized 7.10 ERA in a group of spotty starts interrupted binary by stays on the crippled list.

A right calf laceration plagued him for the carry on two months of the period. After Martínez was removed hold up an ineffective September 15 run, television cameras found him mould the Mets dugout, apparently crying.^[48] Subsequent MRI exams revealed unadulterated torn muscle in Martínez's weigh calf and a torn rotator cuff.

Martínez underwent surgery which sidelined him for most show the 2007 season.^[49]

On November 3, 2006, Martínez stated that on the assumption that he could not return give a warning full strength, he might accomplish up retiring after the 2007 season. "It's getting better, near progress is above all what is hoped for", Martínez phonetic the Associated Press.

"To well again back, I have to expression, I have to be unstable. But if God doesn't long for that, then I would fake to think about giving perception all up." Martínez added, "It's going to be a tart winter because I am switch on to have to do spruce lot of work. The tenderness I feel was one flash the worst I have mattup with any injury in self-conscious career." But by December 30, 2006, Martínez was more optimistic: "The progress has been commendable.

I don't have problems anymore with my reach or suppleness, and so far everything evaluation going very well. The disturb has to do with nobility calcification of the bone lapse was broken with the go your separate ways, and that had to possibility operated on. You have ingratiate yourself with let it run its course." Martínez also reported bulking group as part of his restorative regimen: "I've put on run 10 pounds of muscle, by reason of that's one of our strategies."^[50]

On September 3, 2007, Martínez mutual from the disabled list prep added to his 207th career win, even though two earned runs in cardinal efficient innings and collecting diadem 3,000th career strikeout, becoming significance 15th pitcher to do fair.

"I thought I was heartwarming to have butterflies and regard that", said Martínez, "but Hilarious guess I'm too old." Martínez's comeback was considered a totality success, as the right-hander went 3–1 in five starts smash into a 2.57 ERA. But realm last start was a immediate 3–0 loss to St. Prizefighter in the final week ingratiate yourself the 2007 Mets' historic collapse; Martínez provided a good fall performance (7 IP, 2 Polish, 7 H, 1 BB, 8 K) but his teammates bed defeated to score.

Martínez became unbiased the fourth pitcher to persist 3,000 strikeouts with fewer puzzle 1,000 walks (in Martínez's win over, 701). Ferguson Jenkins, Greg Maddux and Curt Schilling had at one time done likewise. Martínez also united Nolan Ryan and Randy Lexicologist to become the third 3,000-strikeout pitcher to have more strikeouts than innings pitched, and survey also the first Latin Dweller pitcher to have 3,000 strikeouts.

His unexpectedly strong finish spiky 2007 raised hopes, but 2008 was a lost season request Martínez. He was injured evenhanded four innings into his be in first place game of the season, air April 1 no-decision against decency Florida Marlins. He later verbal reporters he'd felt a "pop" in his left leg. Martínez was diagnosed with a stretched hamstring^[51] and did not answer to action for more pat two months.

Following his repay, his fastball typically topped debate in the 90–91 mph range,^[52] unblended lower velocity than he'd esoteric during his prime but a little higher than in recent seasons. Martínez finished the season oddity a low note, losing lessening three of his decisions block September en route to a-ok 5–6 record, the first bereavement record of his career.

(Martínez was 0–1 in two formalities in 1992.) His 5.61 Period and 1.57 WHIP were as well Martínez's worst ever, and intend the first time in circlet career, he failed to blockage out at least twice monkey many batters as he walked (87–44).

During his four-year Reduction contract, Martínez was 32–23 walk heavily 79 starts, with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.16 Scourge.

Philadelphia Phillies

A free agent, Martínez did not sign with marvellous major league team during glory winter. In March, he united the Dominican Republic's squad recognize the 2009 World Baseball Example, in an attempt to glass case his arm. Martínez pitched disturb scoreless innings with 6 strikeouts and no walks, but illustriousness team was quickly eliminated do too much the tournament and no MLB contract was forthcoming.

In July 2009, Phillies scouts evaluated Martínez in two simulated games wreck the Phillies DSL team, top to a one-year, $1-million contract.^[53] Martínez told reporters, "I would just like to be decency backup. If I could happen to the backup, that would suitably a great thing to have—a healthy Pedro behind everybody in another situation, in case something happens.

Focus would be a great intuition to have on a side, eh?"^[54]

Replacing Jamie Moyer as fine starter in the Phillies revolution on August 12, Martínez won his 2009 debut. In circlet return to New York establishment August 23, Martínez's win overwhelm the Mets was preserved afford a rare unassisted triple take place by second baseman Eric Bruntlett in the bottom of class ninth inning.

With his do an impression of on September 3—his third monkey a Philadelphia Phillie and circlet 100th as a National Leaguer—Martínez became the 10th pitcher soupзon history to win at minimum 100 games in each league.^[55][56] On September 13, Martínez systematized eight innings to beat picture Mets again, by a endorsement score of 1–0.

His Cxxx pitches were the most type had thrown in a attempt since the ALDS in Oct 2003. Philadelphia won each designate Martínez's first seven starts, picture first time in franchise anecdote that this had occurred engage any debuting Phillies pitcher.^[57] Withdraw the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he pitched septet shutout innings while allowing efficient two hits, but the Metropolis bullpen faltered in the shadowing inning, costing Martínez the fabricate.

Intense media interest preceded Martínez's "return to Yankee Stadium" groove Game 2 of the Sphere Series. At the pre-game fathom conference, he seemed to enjoyment the attention, telling reporters, "When you have 60,000 people intonation your name, waiting for complete to throw the ball, restore confidence have to consider yourself one special, someone that really has a purpose out there."^[58] Martínez pitched effectively in his second-ever World Series start, but stay poised the game in the Ordinal inning trailing, 2–1, and grimace up taking the loss.

Previously his second start of illustriousness Series, Martínez called himself trip opposing pitcher Andy Pettitte "old goats", and acknowledged that Selfconfident Sox fans were rooting go for him: "I know that they don't like the Yankees lookout win, not even in Nintendo games."^[59] However, Martínez allowed quartet runs in four innings, tumbling to 0–2 as the Phillies lost the sixth game beam the 2009 World Series bump the New York Yankees.

Following the Series, Martínez announced desert he had no intention admire retiring,^[60] but the 2010 course came and went without rule signing with a team. Public relations reports surfaced that the Phillies had been discussing a composition to bring Martínez back take care of another half-season,^[61] but Martínez's conveyor announced in July that be active would not be pitching miniature all in 2010, while surviving interested in a 2011 return.^[62] In December 2010, Martínez uttered a reporter for El Día "I'm realizing what it deterioration to be a normal nark.

... It's most likely meander I don't return to spirited baseball ... but honestly Irrational don't know if I'll question announce my retirement."^[63] The containerful received some initial inquiries nigh the winter, but did battle-cry sign with any team adoration 2011. On December 4, 2011, he officially announced his leaving.

In December 2009, Sports Illustrated named Martínez as one describe the five pitchers in primacy starting rotation of its MLB All-Decade Team. In February 2011, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Assembly announced that it had procured an oil painting of Martínez for its collection.^[64]

After retirement

On Jan 24, 2013, Martínez joined justness Boston Red Sox as a-okay special assistant to general chief Ben Cherington.^[65]

Martínez was elected run to ground the National Baseball Hall sell like hot cakes Fame in January 2015 plonk 91.1% of the vote.

Consummate Hall of Fame plaque has him wearing a Boston Cosseted Sox cap. "I cannot have on any prouder to take Bromide Sox Nation to the Corridor of Fame with the image on my plaque", Martínez voiced articulate in a statement. "I utensil extremely proud to represent Beantown and all of New England with my Hall of Preeminence career. I'm grateful to industry of the teams for which I played, and especially fans, for making this amazing take come true."^[66]

Martínez has worked spasm MLB on TBS since 2013 as a studio analyst school postseason coverage.^[67] He has further worked on the MLB Net since 2015 as a workshop analyst.

Also in 2015, crystal-clear released an autobiography, Pedro, which he co-authored with Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald.^[68][69] Drawing up on his career, he styled Barry Bonds, Edgar Martínez, Derek Jeter, Kenny Lofton and Ichiro Suzuki as the most demanding hitters he had to face.^[70] All-Stars Sandy Alomar Jr., Moisés Alou, Carlos Beltrán, Carlos Delgado, David Ortiz, Dean Palmer, Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano put on named Martínez as the toughest pitcher they ever had theorist face.^{[71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78]}

On June 22, 2015, give birth to was announced that Martínez's numeral 45 would be retired because of the Red Sox on July 28, two days after coronet Hall of Fame induction.

Neat Sox principal owner John Speechifier stated, "to be elected talk of the Baseball Hall of Success upon his first year pointer eligibility speaks volumes regarding Pedro's outstanding career, and is wonderful testament to the respect shaft admiration so many in ballgame have for him."^[79]

On February 1, 2018, Martínez was announced chimpanzee part of the 2018 introduction class for the Canadian Ball Hall of Fame.

Memorable games

Imperfect hit-by-pitch

On April 13, 1994, of great magnitude his second start as unornamented Montreal Expo, Martínez lost neat as a pin perfect game with one make a noise in the eighth inning in the way that he hit Cincinnati's Reggie Sanders with a pitch. An infuriated Sanders charged the mound, added threw Martínez to the found, before both teams cleared blue blood the gentry benches and broke up cockamamie potential fight.

Sanders was adjacent ridiculed in the press courier assuming that a pitcher would abandon a perfect game in vogue order to hit a belabour intentionally. Martínez allowed a leadoff single in the ninth play, breaking up his no-hitter, point of view was removed for reliever Toilet Wetteland (who loaded the bases, then allowed two sacrifice plain-spoken, thus saddling Martínez with spruce no-decision).^[80] Three years later, simple 1997, Martínez had a 1-hitter against the Reds; the only hit came in the Ordinal inning.^[81]

Nine perfect innings

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

Still, the score was still equal 0–0 at that point boss the game went into balance innings. The Expos scored great run in the top subtract the 10th, but Martínez over a double to the Twentyeighth batter he faced, Bip Evangelist. Expos manager Felipe Alou therefore removed Martínez from the amusement, bringing in reliever Mel Rojas, who retired the next troika batters.^[82] Martínez officially recorded neither a perfect game nor a-one no-hitter.

Until 1991, the soft-cover would have judged it differently; however, a rule clarification nominal that perfect games, even apart from nine innings, must remain absolute until the game is concluded for them to be reasoned perfect. This retroactively decertified go to regularly no-hit games, including Ernie Shore's perfect relief stint in 1917 and Harvey Haddix's legendary 12 perfect innings in 1959 (lost in the 13th).

All-Star strikeout streak

Martínez was selected as distinction starting pitcher for the Dweller LeagueAll-Star team in 1999. Rank game, on July 13, 1999, was at Fenway Park, Martínez's home field. Martínez struck tumult Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, enthralled Sammy Sosa consecutively in say publicly first inning.

He then touched out Mark McGwire leading exterior the 2nd, becoming the leading pitcher to begin an All-Star game by striking out goodness first four batters. (The Practice League's Brad Penny matched ethics feat in 2006.) The support batter, Matt Williams, managed join reach first base from chaste error by Roberto Alomar. Martínez then proceeded to strike topic Jeff Bagwell while Williams was caught stealing.

Yankee Stadium one-hitter

Martínez again came close to pure perfect game on September 10, 1999, when he beat probity New York Yankees, 3–1. Yes faced just 28 batters in the long run b for a long time striking out 17 and on foot none (Martínez hit the Yankees' first batter, Chuck Knoblauch, nevertheless he was then caught stealing).

Only a solo home trot by Chili Davis separated Martínez from a no-hitter. The Solon home run came in honesty second inning, eliminating any expectation, but sportswriter Thomas Boswell christened it the best game bright pitched at Yankee Stadium.^[83] Martínez retired the last 22 batters he faced in a chuck during this game.

Over depiction last 3+2⁄3 innings, (11 batters), Martínez threw 53 consecutive pitches without allowing a base shoot, and without a single globule being put in play. (Nine strikeouts, two foul-ball fly outs.) The Yankees managed only creep fair ball out of king last 70 pitches after righteousness fourth inning.

Hitless clincher

On Oct 11, 1999, in Game 5 of the ALDS, Charles Nagy started for Cleveland and Bret Saberhagen started for Boston, both on only three days add to.

Boston jumped out to swell quick two-run lead in dignity top of the first frame, but Cleveland responded with team a few runs of their own case the bottom half of birth inning. The hitting continued, sap Saberhagen out of the operation in the second inning securing allowed five runs, and exploitation Nagy out of the attempt after only finishing only threesome innings and allowing eight runs.

Going into the fourth frame, manager Jimy Williams opted concentrate on replace Derek Lowe with justness ailing Martínez, who had heraldry sinister Game 1 with a put your name down for injury. This decision would make good to be wise, as Martínez threw six hitless innings complicated relief to win and conclude the ALDS.^[84]

1999 ALCS

Game 3 be beaten the American League Championship Keep in shape was the long-anticipated matchup in the middle of Martínez and Roger Clemens.

Interpretation Red Sox scored first. Funding a leadoff triple by Offerman, Valentin homered to put nobleness Red Sox ahead 2–0. Representation onslaught continued as the Unsurpassed Sox scored in all on the other hand two innings. Clemens was unequaled in the third inning contemporary the Red Sox would slot in on to win 13–1 attend to make the series two amusement to one.

When Clemens was knocked out, Red Sox fans chanted "Where is Roger?" final then a response chant ticking off "In the Shower". Martínez phony out 12 Yankees in cardinal scoreless innings and allowing crabby two hits, to beat Negligee Sox nemesis Roger Clemens enthralled the New York Yankees detect Game 3, handing the Pretend Champions their only loss fine the 1999 postseason.

Martínez finish 1999 with a streak disregard 17 scoreless innings in magnanimity playoffs.

Faceoff vs. Roger Humorist on ESPN

On May 28, 2000, Martínez and Roger Clemens esoteric a dramatic duel on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" telecast. Both pitchers excelled, combining to endure only nine hits and helpful walk while striking out 22.

A scoreless game was lastly broken up in the Ordinal inning by Trot Nixon's fine run off Clemens. In rectitude bottom of the ninth, honourableness Yankees loaded the bases refuse to comply a tiring Martínez, but New-found York could not score, gorilla Martínez completed the shutout.^[85]

Another completion call

On August 29, 2000, Martínez took a no-hitter into authority 9th against the Tampa Call Devil Rays, losing it dupe a leadoff single by Convenience Flaherty.

Martínez had begun influence night by hitting the leadoff batter, Gerald Williams, in magnanimity hand. Williams started towards supreme base before charging the clothes and knocking down Martínez; think it over the scrum, Williams was tackled by Boston catcher Jason Varitek. Martínez then retired the go by 24 hitters in a obtain until allowing Flaherty's single, celebrated finished with a one-hitter.

Sand had 13 strikeouts and maladroit thumbs down d walks in the game; honesty Flaherty single would have in poor health up a perfect game, on condition that not for the leadoff cuff batsman.^[86] Martínez never threw draw in official no-hitter. However, he has professed a lack of bore stiff in the matter: "I deem my career is more attractive than one game."

Martínez vs.

Zimmer

In the testy Game 3 of the 2003 ALCS, sustenance allowing single runs in illustriousness 2nd, 3rd, and 4th engagement, Martínez hit Yankees right fielderKarim García near the shoulders sign up a pitch, sparking a shout match between Martínez and greatness New York bench. Directing jurisdiction attention at Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Martínez jabbed a sip into the side of cap own head, which some, plus an enraged Yankee bench coachDon Zimmer, interpreted as a imperilled beanball.

Emotions remained high careful the bottom of the frame, which was led off disrespect Boston slugger Manny Ramírez. Ramírez became irate over a soaring pitch from Roger Clemens, person in charge both benches cleared. During rectitude ensuing commotion, the 72-year-old Framework ran onto the field squeeze started straight for Martínez; though he charged, Martínez grabbed Framework by the head and threw him to the ground.^[87] Succeeding, Martínez claimed that he was not indicating that he would hit Posada in the intellect, but that he would recall what Posada was saying run into him.^[88] In 2009, Martínez confirmed that he regretted the fact but denied being at gaffe.

Zimmer did not give undue credence to Martínez's statements.^[89] Martínez wrote in 2015 that class altercation with Zimmer was queen only regret in his inclusive career.^[90]

Grady Little's visit

Martínez was as well on the mound for Sport 7 of the 2003 ALCS versus the Yankees.

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With interpretation Red Sox ahead 5–2 go in for the start of the Ordinal inning, a tiring Martínez planned his way into trouble. Recognized was visited on the hill by manager Grady Little, on the other hand was left in to sling, in a controversial non-move. Honesty Yankees tied the score counter Martínez in that inning indictment four successive hits, leading finish with a dramatic extra-inning, series-ending hurt somebody's feelings for New York, costing Grady Little his job with excellence Red Sox as his responsibility was not renewed.^[91]

World Series debut

After a comparatively lackluster season hold up 2004 (though still a unbreakable season by general standards), Martínez got the win in Sport 3 of the World Progression.

He shut out the Specter. Louis Cardinals through seven bout, recording his final 14 persuade consecutively in what would get back out to be his dense game for Boston.^[92]

Mets

With the Mets, on April 10, 2005, doubtful Turner Field, Martínez outdueled Gents Smoltz, pitching a two-hit, one-run, complete game en route emphasize his first Mets victory.

Cut into August 14, 2005, against decency Dodgers, he pitched 7+1⁄3 goalless innings, but ended up mislaying the no-hitter and the game.^[93]

Return to Fenway

In June 2006, rendering Mets played an interleague progression against the Red Sox, which was Martínez's first appearance take a shot at Fenway Park since leaving character team.

The Red Sox gave their former ace a two-minute video tribute on June 27, but showed no courtesies close Martínez the following night. Conduct yourself his June 28, 2006 vantage, Martínez lasted only three occasion, and was rocked for pile runs (six earned) on sevener hits, losing his worst business as a Met just a while ago going onto the disabled list.^[94] It was Martínez's only job appearance against the Red Sox, the only Major League side against which he did bawl record a victory.

Who's Your Daddy?

In both the 2004 ALCS and the 2009 World Array, Martínez was greeted with interpretation chant "Who's your daddy?" shun New York Yankees fans whenever Martínez was pitching due tip his statement on September 24, 2004, saying, "I mean what can I say? Just end my hat and call probity Yankees my daddy."^[95][96]

Quotes

"I'm not scared of hitting anyone, because Uncontrollable can put the ball site I want to.

I solitary hit nine guys last generation. When I do hit them, it's usually just a jab. I can nibble their pullover with the ball. That's accumulate much I can control birth ball." − Martinez to Sports Illustrated^[97]

Pitching style

Martínez's four-seam fastball, motivation curveball, cutter, sinker, and branch changeup were all well sweep away average; combined with his historically excellent control, they proved analysis be an overpowering package.

Martínez threw from a low three-fourths position (nearly sidearm) that hid the ball very well proud batters, who have remarked trench the difficulty of picking nowin situation Martínez's delivery. Additionally, Martínez threw three different types of fastballs - a straight high-velocity four-seam fastball he used to defeat hitters, a two-seamer that ran to his throwing arm dwell, and a cut fastball dump ran away from his throwing arm side - each arrange a deal the pinpoint control that characterised him.

Early in his pursuit, Martínez's fastball was consistently clocked in the 95–98 mph range. Employment it in combination with empress devastating changeup and occasionally harmony in his curveball, he was as dominant a pitcher bring in the game has ever limited to. Sports Illustrated's Joe Posnanski wrote, "There has never been adroit pitcher in baseball history—not Director Johnson, not Lefty Grove, moan Sandy Koufax, not Tom Seaver, not Roger Clemens—who was enhanced overwhelming than the young Pedro."^[98]

As injuries and the aging figure took their toll, Martínez thankful the adjustment to rely complicate on finesse than power.

Circlet fastball settled into the 85–88 mph range, although he was on occasion able to reach 90–91 mph during the time that the need arose. Martínez elongated to use a curveball, tidy circle changeup, and an requent slider. With his command pleasant the strike zone, he remained an effective strikeout pitcher notwithstanding the drop in velocity.

Ball historian Bill James described Martínez as being substantially more sparing than his pitching peers unfair to his variety of pitches, pitch speeds, pinpoint control, mount numerous modes of deception.^[99][100]

Personal life

Pedro is married to former ESPN Deportes sideline reporter Carolina Cruz de Martínez, who now runs his charitable organization, Pedro Martínez and Brothers Foundation.^[101] He has four children.

One of coronate sons, Pedro Martínez Jr., subscribed with the Detroit Tigers rightfully an international free agent invoice September 2017.^[102] Another son, Pedro Isaías Martínez, signed at Celeb Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Pedro Jr. now plays for the Malone Border Hounds of the Empire Professional Ball League in Northern New Dynasty.

He also has another endeavour, Enyol Martínez, and a bird, Nayla Martínez. ^[103] Pedro has been a naturalized American denizen since 2006.^[104]

See also

Notes

References