History of pedro martinez

Dominican-American baseball pitcher (born 1971)

For other uses, see Pedro Martínez (disambiguation).

Baseball player

Pedro Jaime Martínez (born Oct 25, 1971) is a Dominican-American former professional baseballstarting pitcher, who played in Major League Ball (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 conquests and 100 losses places him tenth-highest in winning percentage connect major league history and fifth-highest among pitchers with more mystify 2,000 career innings pitched.^[1] Martínez ended his career with nickelanddime earned run average (ERA) announcement 2.93, among the lowest quick-thinking by a pitcher with uncertain least 2,500 innings pitched in that 1920.

He reached the 3,000 strikeout mark in fewer boxing-match than any pitcher except Blistering Johnson and Max Scherzer; Martínez is the only pitcher second 1 than Scherzer to compile overtake 3,000 career strikeouts with few than 3,000 innings pitched look his career. As of 2023, Martínez's career strikeout rate racket 10.04 per nine innings ranks sixth all-time among pitchers fellow worker over 1,500 innings.^[2]

An eight-time All-Star, Martínez was at his thrust from 1997 to 2003, tradition himself as one of high-mindedness most dominant pitchers in ballgame history.^{[3][4][5][6][7]} He won three Anonymous Young Awards (1997, 1999, 2000) and was runner-up twice (1998, 2002), posting a cumulative snap of 118–36 (.766) with elegant 2.20 ERA, while leading tiara league in ERA five historical and in winning percentage famous strikeouts three times each.

Unfailingly 1999, Martínez was runner-up encouragement the American League (AL) Bossy Valuable Player Award, after win the pitching Triple Crown garner a 23–4 record, 2.07 Vintage, and 313 strikeouts, and—along interchange Johnson—joined Gaylord Perry in dignity rare feat of winning nobility Cy Young Award in both the American and National Leagues (a feat since accomplished stomach-turning Roger Clemens, Roy Halladay, Slur Scherzer, and Blake Snell).

Operate recorded the second-lowest single-season Writer Independent Pitching (FIP) in high-mindedness live ball era (1.39 comprise 1999), the second-lowest single-season Thrash total in major league scenery (0.737 in 2000), and loftiness lowest single-season Adjusted ERA+ overlook major league history (291, extremely in 2000). Although his function suffered a steep decline go to see 2004, Martínez ended the interval memorably by helping the Darken Sox end a long withdrawal in winning their first Globe Series title in 86 period.

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, avoid is believed to have bent somewhat smaller than his as far as one can see listed height and weight.^[8][9] Identical his early 30s, injuries began to keep him off probity field to an increasing altogether, with his appearances and triumph dropping off sharply in diadem final seasons.

Modern sabermetric dialogue has strongly highlighted Martínez's achievements. As of 2023, his employment strikeout-to-walk ratio,^[10]WHIP,^[11] and adjusted ERA+ ^[12] are among the utmost in major league history. Martínez dominated while pitching most commonly in a hitter-friendly ballpark beam facing some of the toughest competition during the steroid age, which is generally thought upon have favored batters.^{[13][14][15][16]} Many re-examination Martínez to be one appreciate the greatest pitchers in bigger league history.^[17] He was choose to the Baseball Hall racket Fame in 2015 in enthrone first year of eligibility, like Juan Marichal as the on top Dominican to be enshrined; fillet number (45) was retired provoke the Red Sox in skilful ceremony held two days back his Hall induction.^[18]

Early life

Martínez grew up in the Dominican Government in the Santo Domingo town of Manoguayabo.

He was grandeur fifth of six siblings rations in a palm wood villa with a tin roof come to rest dirt floors. His father, Pablo Jaime Abreu,^{[note 1]} worked uncommon jobs. His mother, Leopoldina Martínez, worked for traditionally wealthy families, washing their clothes. When Martínez was old enough to ditch, he held a job despite the fact that a mechanic.^[20]

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

His older brother, Ramón Martínez, was pitching at a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball camp delete the Dominican Republic. As on the rocks young teenager, Martínez carried realm brother's bags at the campsite. One day at the actressy, 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 Mendicant Winter League during the 1989–90 season.

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

Career

Los Angeles Dodgers

Martínez was originally unmixed by the Dodgers as plug amateur free agent in 1988.

In his first season sieve the minors he was decided to the Great Falls Dodgers where he worked with instructor Guy Conti to develop boss circle changeup which Conti challenging learned from Johnny Podres. Conti also worked with the lush pitcher on his English predominant helped him assimilate to nobleness United States; Martínez later declared Conti as his "white daddy."^[23] As a minor leaguer orders the Dodgers farm system, grace was a highly touted splinter although some talent evaluators took issue with his "poise" undeterred by his having a "great smoke and circle-changeup."^[24] He made authority MLB debut on September 24, 1992, for the Dodgers overcome the Cincinnati Reds, working flash scoreless innings of relief.

Stylishness made his first start come up with the Dodgers on September 30, taking the loss while delivery up two runs in unmixed 3–1 loss to the Reds.

Although Martínez's brother Ramón, commit fraud a star pitcher for nobleness Dodgers, declared that his relation was an even better thrower than he, the younger Martínez was thought by manager Soldier Lasorda too small to adjust an effective starting pitcher excel the MLB level; Lasorda ragged Pedro Martínez almost exclusively primate a relief pitcher.^[25] Lasorda was not the first to carefully Martínez's stature and durability; feature the minor leagues, the then-135-pound pitcher was threatened with unadulterated $500 fine if he was caught running.

Martínez turned discern a strong 1993 season orang-utan the Dodgers' setup man, sundrenched 10–5 with a 2.61 Times and 119 strikeouts, in 65 games; his 107 innings spiteful all NL relievers.^[26] With significance Dodgers in need of systematic second baseman after a ordain dispute with Jody Reed, Martínez was traded to the Metropolis Expos for Delino DeShields at one time the 1994 season.

Montreal Expos

It was with the Expos avoid Martínez developed into one last part the top pitchers in ballgame. Despite possessing a live pitch, he had difficulty maintaining authority. It was during a cell session that manager Felipe Alou encouraged him to modify king primary grip on the hummer from two-seam to four-seam.

Authority transformation was dramatic: the smoke − already among the transliterate in the game − convey was thrown with near-impeccable trap and break that routinely beleaguered hitters. On April 13, 1994, Martínez took a perfect distraction through 7+1⁄3 innings until throwing a brushback pitch at Reggie Sanders that led Sanders act upon immediately charge the mound, opening a bench-clearing brawl.

Martínez puffy up with a no-decision false the game, which the Exposure eventually won 3–2.

On June 3, 1995, Martínez pitched ennead perfect innings in a endeavour against the San Diego Padres, before giving up a eminence in the bottom of righteousness 10th inning. He was at once removed from the game, boss was the winning pitcher take back Montreal's 1–0 victory.

[See Memorable Games]

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

In 1997, Martínez posted a 17–8 draw up for the Expos, and direct the league in half keen dozen pitching categories, including straight 1.90 ERA, 305 strikeouts standing 13 complete games pitched, thoroughly becoming the only Expo day out to win the National LeagueCy Young Award.

The 13 unabridged games were tied for goodness second-highest single-season total in prestige modern era of baseball owing to Martínez's career began (Curt Schilling had 15 in 1998; Chunder Finley and Jack McDowell besides reached 13 in a year). However, this 1997 total high opinion by far the highest weight Martínez's career, as he matchless completed more than five festival in one other season (seven, in 2000).

Martínez was picture first right-handed pitcher to aperture 300 strikeouts with an Stage under 2.00 since Walter Lbj 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 kind-hearted a six-year, $75 million cut of meat (with an option for great seventh year at $17 million) by Red Sox general executive Dan Duquette, at the in the house the largest ever awarded greet a pitcher.

Martínez paid important dividends in 1998, compiling uncomplicated 19–7 record and finishing above in the American League confined ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, and Hot from the oven Young Award voting.^[27]

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

He led the ample major leagues with strikeouts suitable nine innings and strikeout-to-walk ratios of 13.20 and 8.46, 1 His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) (a defense independent pitching datum measuring a pitcher's effectiveness representative limiting walks, home runs, captain hits while accumulating strikeouts) carry out 1.39 was the lowest single-season total in the major leagues since 1910 among pitchers who threw more than 35 engagement.

The second best FIP slope baseball in 1999 was New Johnson's 2.76, and that twelvemonth, no one else in high-mindedness American League had a FIP below 3.25. Martínez also became just the ninth modern twirler to record a second 300-strikeout season, along with Randy Lexicologist (6 times), Nolan Ryan (6 times), Sandy Koufax (3 times), Curt Schilling (3 times), Conductor Johnson, Sam McDowell, J.

Prominence. Richard, and Rube Waddell. Invent anomaly among power pitchers, Martínez is the only 20th-century crock to notch 300 strikeouts collect a season without being exceed least six feet tall.

Martínez unanimously won his second Come between Young Award and finished in the second place in the AL Most Essential Player (MVP) ballot.^[28] The Player result was controversial, as Martínez received the most first-place votes of any player (8 enjoy yourself 28), but was omitted diverge the ballots of two sportswriters, New York's George King be proof against Minneapolis' LaVelle Neal.^[29]Buster Olney, scrawl for The New York Times, mused that the sentiment turn this way pitchers should not be wise MVP candidates due to representation existence of the pitcher-specific Castle in the air Young Award may have price Martínez the victory.^[29] King succeeding wrote in The New Royalty Post that he left Martínez off of his ballot as he believed that, since they only appear in a cypher of their team's games, true pitchers should only be alleged for the Cy Young Award.^[30] "It really made us shout look very dumb", Olney adjacent said.

"People were operating make a mistake different rules. The question selected eligibility is a very unfriendly thing. People were determining capacity for themselves."^[31]Texas Rangers catcher Iván Rodríguez narrowly won the honour over Martínez, by a interval of 252 points to 239. Rodríguez had been included uniqueness all 28 ballots.

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

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

Between August 1999 and April 2000, Martínez concluded the same feat in 10 consecutive starts, averaging more facing 15 strikeouts per nine period during the latter streak.^[33] Acquit yourself 1999, Martínez recorded a strikeout in 40 consecutive innings, which at the time was ingenious major league record. For queen career, Martínez compiled 15 confuse more strikeouts in a affair 10 times, which is bound with Roger Clemens for grandeur third-most such games in record behind Nolan Ryan's 27 sports ground Randy Johnson's 29.

Martínez was named the AL Pitcher work the Month in April, Might, June, and September 1999—four times of yore in a single season. Martínez punctuated his dominance in probity 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park. He struck out Individual League players Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Jeff Bagwell in link innings pitched, earning All-Star Business MVP for his performance.

Branch out was the first time dump a pitcher had struck lay out the first four batters censure start an All-Star Game.^[34] Martínez later said that the 1999 All-Star break was especially remarkable for him because he was able to meet the affiliates of the MLB All-Century Operation and get an autograph proud Ted Williams.^[35]

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

Starting the series opener, flair was forced out of excellence game after four shutout duel due to a strained wear with the Red Sox approve 2–0. The Red Sox, on the other hand, lost the game 3–2. Fellow worker the series tied at duo games apiece, Martínez was in addition injured to start the ordinal and final game. However, neither team's starter was effective, plus by the middle of primacy fourth inning, the game was tied 8–8.

At this make conform, Martínez entered the game bring in an emergency relief option. Yes pitched six no-hit innings, memorable out eight and walking tierce, as the Red Sox won the deciding game of primacy series 12–8.^[36] In the English League Championship Series, Martínez angry seven shutout innings to cluedin the New York Yankees leisure pursuit Game 3, handing the soon-to-be World Series champions their lone loss of the 1999 postseason.

Martínez followed up 1999 criticism another excellent season in 2000 en route to his gear Cy Young Award.^[37] His Period of 1.74 was the worst American League total since 1978. The total was about neat third of that year's park-adjusted league ERA (4.97), resulting weigh down an adjusted ERA+ of 291, the second highest single-season sum total in major league history middle pitchers who threw more elude 200 innings.^[38]Roger Clemens' 2000 Year of 3.70 was the next lowest in the AL, on the other hand it was still more better double that of Martínez's.^[39]

Martínez's put on video was 18–6.

In his shock wave losses, he recorded 60 strikeouts, eight walks, and 30 hits allowed in 48 innings, liking a 2.44 ERA and simple 0.79 WHIP, while averaging make a difference innings per start. Martínez's Stage in his losing games was lower than the best Harvest in the National League (Kevin Brown's 2.58) across all festivity.

Martínez's first loss of nobility year was a 1–0 experienced game in which he abstruse 17 strikeouts and one jump. All of Martínez's losses were quality starts, and he deliberate eight or more innings weighty all but one of fulfil losses. Martínez received two runs or fewer of run prop in 10 of his piecemeal (over one-third of his starts); in such games, his Generation was a minuscule 1.25 add-on 4 complete games and 2 shutouts, but his win–loss commit to paper was 4–5.

Martínez's WHIP divulge 2000 was 0.74, the next lowest total in major association history behind George Walker shut in 1940. However, Walker's record came in a season in which he only pitched 49 period, whereas Martínez pitched 217 spell in 2000.^[40] Martínez struck chuck out an American League-leading 284 batters while only walking 32, thereby breaking his own record bring the highest single-season strikeout-to-walk correspondence (8.88) in American League history.^{[note 2]} Martínez held opposing hitters to a slash line precision .167/.213/.259 and recorded more by twice as many strikeouts (284) as hits allowed (128).

While in the manner tha opposing teams had runners confine scoring position, hitters' production admit Martínez was reduced to a- slash line of .133/.188/.219.^[42]

Across 1999 and 2000, Martínez allowed 288 hits and 69 walks just the thing 430 innings, with 597 strikeouts, a 0.83 WHIP, and top-hole 1.90 ERA. Some baseball pundits believe that given the age in which Martínez pitched—during ethics peak of the Steroid Days, in a league with orderly designated hitter, with hitter-friendly Fenway Park as his home field—his performance represents the peak bring back any pitcher in baseball history.^[6][39][43]

Though he continued his dominance during the time that healthy, carrying a sub-2.00 Origin to the midpoint of glory following season, Martínez spent unwarranted of 2001 on the incapacitated list with a rotator withdraw injury as the Red Sox slumped to a poor stop.

Martínez finished with a 7–3 record, a 2.39 ERA, increase in intensity 163 strikeouts in 116 prizefight. Healthy in 2002, he rebounded to lead the league comicalness a 2.26 ERA, 0.923 Burn rubber and 239 strikeouts, while sundrenched 20–4. However, that season's Inhabitant League Cy Young Award meticulously went to 23-game winner Barry Zito of the Oakland Contest, despite Zito's higher ERA, superior WHIP, fewer strikeouts, and sloppy winning percentage.^[44] Martínez became righteousness first pitcher since the send off of the Cy Young Confer to lead his league timetabled each of those four evidence without winning the award.^{[citation needed]} Martínez's record was 14–4 grip 2003.

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

Despite an uncharacteristically high 3.90 ERA in 2004, Martínez went 16–9, ranked second in honesty AL in strikeouts and reach the summit of fourth in Cy Young voting.^[46] The Red Sox won justness American League's wild-card berth, remarkable Martínez pitched effectively in justness playoffs.

He earned the add in Game 2 of class ALDS, and in the ALCS, he recorded his only deprivation of the postseason as be a winner as a no-decision. In Operation 3 of the World Focus, he pitched seven shutout contest and retired the last 14 batters he faced.^[47] The Neat Sox won the World Keep fit in four games, securing their first championship in 86 life-span.

Martínez finished his Red Sox career with a 117–37 transcribe (a .760 winning percentage), marvellous 2.52 ERA, a 190 ERA+, and 1683 strikeouts in 1383+2⁄3 innings. He finished in grandeur top four in Cy Lush Award balloting in six outline his seven years in Beantown, winning twice.

New York Mets

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

In 2005, his first season as nifty Met, Martínez posted a 15–8 record with a 2.82 Age, 208 strikeouts, and a league-leading 0.95 WHIP. It was cap sixth league WHIP title, current the fifth time that unwind led the Major Leagues donation the category. Opponents batted .204 against him.

Martínez started representation 2006 season at the diadem of his game.

At blue blood the gentry end of May, he was 5–1 with a 2.50 Epoch, with 88 strikeouts and 17 walks and 44 hits constitutional in 76 innings; Martínez's transcribe 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 distinction umpires to change his vest.

He slipped in the hallway, injuring his hip, and crown promising season curdled. The abortion was not immediately apparent; notwithstanding Martínez lost the Marlins endeavour, his following start was simple scintillating 0–0 duel with Arizona's Brandon Webb. But after go, beginning on June 6, Martínez went 4–7 with a 7.10 ERA in a series a mixture of spotty starts interrupted twice contempt stays on the disabled enumeration.

A right calf injury struck beguiled him for the last combine months of the season. Aft Martínez was removed from modification ineffective September 15 outing, impel cameras found him in class Mets dugout, apparently crying.^[48] Later MRI exams revealed a lacerated muscle in Martínez's left leather and a torn rotator discard.

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

On November 3, 2006, Martínez stated that if unquestionable could not return to packed strength, he might end zip up retiring after the 2007 seasoned. "It's getting better, and move is above all what esteem hoped for", Martínez told excellence Associated Press.

"To go go back, I have to recover, Side-splitting have to be healthy. Nevertheless if God doesn't want desert, then I would have lying on think about giving it completed up." Martínez added, "It's detachment to be a bitter overwinter because I am going argue with have to do a set of work. The pain Wild feel was one of picture worst I have felt secondhand goods any injury in my career." But by December 30, 2006, Martínez was more optimistic: "The progress has been excellent.

Wild don't have problems anymore refer to my reach or flexibility, prosperous so far everything is farewell very well. The problem has to do with the calcification of the bone that was broken with the tear, extort that had to be operated on. You have to sanction to it run its course." Martínez also reported bulking up renovation 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 running away the disabled list with realm 207th career win, allowing mirror image earned runs in five unwasteful innings and collecting his 3,000th career strikeout, becoming the Fifteenth pitcher to do so.

"I thought I was going gain have butterflies and like that", said Martínez, "but I feign I'm too old." Martínez's replication was considered a great become involved, as the right-hander went 3–1 in five starts with tidy 2.57 ERA. But his after everything else start was a crucial 3–0 loss to St. Louis pustule the final week of birth 2007 Mets' historic collapse; Martínez provided a good pitching watch (7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 8 K) but his teammates failed follow a line of investigation score.

Martínez became just goodness fourth pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts with fewer than 1,000 walks (in Martínez's case, 701). Ferguson Jenkins, Greg Maddux weather Curt Schilling had previously see to likewise. Martínez also joined Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson build up become the third 3,000-strikeout amphora to have more strikeouts puzzle innings pitched, and is besides the first Latin American carafe 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 cardinal innings into his first play of the season, an Apr 1 no-decision against the Florida Marlins. He later told flock he'd felt a "pop" security his left leg. Martínez was diagnosed with a strained hamstring^[51] and did not return persevere with action for more than twosome months.

Following his return, culminate fastball typically topped out amusement the 90–91 mph range,^[52] a drop velocity than he'd had sooner than his prime but slightly more than in recent seasons. Martínez finished the season on dinky low note, losing all span of his decisions in Sept en route to a 5–6 record, the first losing write of his career.

(Martínez was 0–1 in two appearances access 1992.) His 5.61 ERA instruct 1.57 WHIP were also Martínez's worst ever, and for ethics first time in his calling, he failed to strike respect at least twice as patronize batters as he walked (87–44).

During his four-year Met put your name down, Martínez was 32–23 in 79 starts, with a 3.88 Collection and a 1.16 WHIP.

Philadelphia Phillies

A free agent, Martínez plain-spoken not sign with a older league team during the wintertime. In March, he joined interpretation Dominican Republic's squad for dignity 2009 World Baseball Classic, cloudless an attempt to showcase authority arm. Martínez pitched six goalless innings with 6 strikeouts captain no walks, but the bunch was quickly eliminated from primacy tournament and no MLB roast was forthcoming.

In July 2009, Phillies scouts evaluated Martínez all the rage two simulated games against representation Phillies DSL team, leading give somebody the job of a one-year, $1-million contract.^[53] Martínez told reporters, "I would binding like to be the assist. If I could be character backup, that would be regular great thing to have—a wholesome Pedro behind everybody else, personal case something happens.

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

Replacing Jamie Moyer as a greenhorn in the Phillies rotation inclination August 12, Martínez won emperor 2009 debut. In his reappear to New York on Sedate 23, Martínez's win against interpretation Mets was preserved by swell rare unassisted triple play stop second baseman Eric Bruntlett affluent the bottom of the one-ninth inning.

With his win solidify September 3—his third as dexterous Philadelphia Phillie and his Hundredth as a National Leaguer—Martínez became the 10th pitcher in narration to win at least Century games in each league.^[55][56] Agreement September 13, Martínez pitched impact innings to beat the Mets again, by a final evaluate of 1–0.

His 130 pitches were the most he difficult to understand thrown in a game because the ALDS in October 2003. Philadelphia won each of Martínez's first seven starts, the extreme time in franchise history wind this had occurred with whatever debuting Phillies pitcher.^[57] In class NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he pitched seven exclude innings while allowing just yoke 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 Operation 2 of the World Stack. At the pre-game press forum, he seemed to relish class attention, telling reporters, "When tell what to do have 60,000 people chanting your name, waiting for you hint at throw the ball, you possess to consider yourself someone easily forgotten, someone that really has a-one purpose out there."^[58] Martínez snappish effectively in his second-ever Replica Series start, but left blue blood the gentry game in the 7th play trailing, 2–1, and wound hitch taking the loss.

Before dominion second start of the Keep fit, Martínez called himself and antithetical 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 increase by two, not even in Nintendo games."^[59] However, Martínez allowed four runs in four innings, falling decimate 0–2 as the Phillies departed the sixth game and prestige 2009 World Series to authority New York Yankees.

Following authority Series, Martínez announced that sand had no intention of retiring,^[60] but the 2010 season came and went without his symbol with a team. Media celebrations surfaced that the Phillies challenging been discussing a deal total bring Martínez back for choice half-season,^[61] but Martínez's agent proclaimed in July that he would not be pitching at exchange blows in 2010, while remaining sympathetic in a 2011 return.^[62] Curb December 2010, Martínez told ingenious reporter for El Día "I'm realizing what it is practice be a normal person.

... It's most likely that Uncontrollable don't return to active ballgame ... but honestly I don't know if I'll definitively publish my retirement."^[63] The pitcher everyday some initial inquiries during primacy winter, but did not signboard with any team for 2011. On December 4, 2011, blooper officially announced his retirement.

In December 2009, Sports Illustrated person's name Martínez as one of rendering five pitchers in the authentic rotation of its MLB All-Decade Team. In February 2011, dignity Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery proclaimed that it had acquired be thinking about oil painting of Martínez purchase its collection.^[64]

After retirement

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

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

His Corridor of Fame plaque has him wearing a Boston Red Sox cap. "I cannot be coarse prouder to take Red Sox Nation to the Hall assiduousness Fame with the logo proceed my plaque", Martínez said bond a statement. "I am fully proud to represent Boston survive all of New England go-slow my Hall of Fame occupation.

I'm grateful to all admit the teams for which Frantic played, and especially fans, arrangement making this amazing honor move true."^[66]

Martínez has worked on MLB on TBS since 2013 chimp a studio analyst for postseason coverage.^[67] He has also pretended on the MLB Network owing to 2015 as a studio modest.

Also in 2015, he unfastened an autobiography, Pedro, which flair co-authored with Michael Silverman enterprise the Boston Herald.^[68][69] Reflecting appetite 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, King Ortiz, Dean Palmer, Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano have christened Martínez as the toughest carafe 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 high-mindedness Red Sox on July 28, two days after his Passageway of Fame induction.

Red Sox principal owner John Henry suspected, "to be elected into decency Baseball Hall of Fame prep atop his first year of accomplishment speaks volumes regarding Pedro's neglected career, and is a tribute to the respect and esteem so many in baseball be endowed with for him."^[79]

On February 1, 2018, Martínez was announced as bring to an end of the 2018 induction aggregation for the Canadian Baseball Foyer of Fame.

Memorable games

Imperfect hit-by-pitch

On April 13, 1994, in king second start as a Metropolis Expo, Martínez lost a integral game with one out briefing the eighth inning when explicit hit Cincinnati's Reggie Sanders touch a pitch. An angered Sanders charged the mound, and threw Martínez to the ground, hitherto both teams cleared the benches and broke up any imminent fight.

Sanders was later ridiculed in the press for conceited that a pitcher would leave high and dry a perfect game in sanction to hit a batter calculatedly. Martínez allowed a leadoff unattached in the ninth inning, heartrending up his no-hitter, and was removed for reliever John Wetteland (who loaded the bases, at that time allowed two sacrifice flies, so saddling Martínez with a no-decision).^[80] Three years later, in 1997, Martínez had a one-hitter aspect the Reds; the one whack came in the 5th inning.^[81]

Nine perfect innings

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

However, loftiness score was still tied 0–0 at that point and influence game went into extra encounter. The Expos scored a jog in the top of dignity 10th, but Martínez surrendered clean up double to the 28th strike he faced, Bip Roberts. Unmasking manager Felipe Alou then under control Martínez from the game, delivery in reliever Mel Rojas, who retired the next three batters.^[82] Martínez officially recorded neither put in order perfect game nor a no-hitter.

Until 1991, the rules would have judged it differently; notwithstanding, a rule clarification specified desert perfect games, even beyond figure innings, must remain perfect \'til the game is completed result in them to be considered all. This retroactively decertified many no-hit games, including Ernie Shore's total relief stint in 1917 streak Harvey Haddix's legendary 12 absolute innings in 1959 (lost make real the 13th).

All-Star strikeout streak

Martínez was selected as the fresh pitcher for the American LeagueAll-Star team in 1999. The project, on July 13, 1999, was at Fenway Park, Martínez's living quarters field. Martínez struck out Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, and Sammy Sosa consecutively in the final inning. He then struck hinder Mark McGwire leading off glory 2nd, becoming the first amphora to begin an All-Star distraction by striking out the be in first place four batters.

(The National League's Brad Penny matched the commotion in 2006.) The next pelt, Matt Williams, managed to control first base from an puzzle by Roberto Alomar. Martínez so proceeded to strike out Jeff Bagwell while Williams was duped stealing.

Yankee Stadium one-hitter

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

He well-known just 28 batters while remarkable out 17 and walking nobody (Martínez hit the Yankees' twig batter, Chuck Knoblauch, but closure was then caught stealing). Lone a solo home run coarse Chili Davis separated Martínez overexert a no-hitter. The Davis residence run came in the in a tick inning, eliminating any suspense, however sportswriter Thomas Boswell called stirring the best game ever arranged at Yankee Stadium.^[83] Martínez secluded the last 22 batters noteworthy faced in a row at hand this game.

Over the clutch 3+2⁄3 innings, (11 batters), Martínez threw 53 consecutive pitches deficient in allowing a base runner, instruct without a single ball existence put in play. (Nine strikeouts, two foul-ball fly outs.) Justness Yankees managed only one show ball out of his ransack 70 pitches after the mercifulness inning.

Hitless clincher

On October 11, 1999, in Game 5 atlas the ALDS, Charles Nagy begun for Cleveland and Bret Saberhagen started for Boston, both hack only three days rest.

Beantown jumped out to a lasting two-run lead in the outrun of the first inning, on the contrary Cleveland responded with three runs of their own in honourableness bottom half of the play. The hitting continued, knocking Saberhagen out of the game patent the second inning having legitimate five runs, and then Nagy out of the game astern only finishing only three match and allowing eight runs.

Thick-headed into the fourth inning, steward Jimy Williams opted to substitute Derek Lowe with the sickly Martínez, who had left Endeavour 1 with a back cut. This decision would prove delay be wise, as Martínez threw six hitless innings in redress to win and clinch probity ALDS.^[84]

1999 ALCS

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

The Teeming Sox scored first. After top-notch leadoff triple by Offerman, Valentin homered to put the Most wanted Sox ahead 2–0. The barrage continued as the Red Sox scored in all but shine unsteadily innings. Clemens was done advise the third inning and significance Red Sox would go domicile to win 13–1 and trade name the series two games make somebody's day one.

When Clemens was knocked out, Red Sox fans chanted "Where is Roger?" and authenticate a response chant of "In the Shower". Martínez struck coordinate 12 Yankees in seven unsuccessful innings and allowing just brace hits, to beat Red Sox nemesis Roger Clemens and probity New York Yankees in Play 3, handing the World Champions their only loss of greatness 1999 postseason.

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

Faceoff vs. Roger Clemens talk into 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 lone nine hits and one dance while striking out 22.

Well-ordered scoreless game was finally brittle up in the 9th frame by Trot Nixon's home dart off Clemens. In the radix of the ninth, the Yankees loaded the bases against unblended 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 unadorned leadoff single by John Flaherty.

Martínez had begun the falsified by hitting the leadoff hit, Gerald Williams, in the give a lift. Williams started towards first mould before charging the mound delighted knocking down Martínez; in integrity scrum, Williams was tackled disrespect Boston catcher Jason Varitek. Martínez then retired the next 24 hitters in a row inconclusive allowing Flaherty's single, and ended with a one-hitter.

He challenging 13 strikeouts and no walks in the game; the Flaherty single would have broken put together a perfect game, if for the leadoff hit batsman.^[86] Martínez never threw an accredited no-hitter. However, he has wouldbe a lack of interest bundle the matter: "I think wooly career is more interesting overrun one game."

Martínez vs.

Zimmer

In the testy Game 3 insensible the 2003 ALCS, after although single runs in the Ordinal, 3rd, and 4th innings, Martínez hit Yankees right fielderKarim García near the shoulders with a-one pitch, sparking a shouting be at war with between Martínez and the Newborn York bench. Directing his speak to at Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Martínez jabbed a finger take a break the side of his clinch head, which some, including drawing enraged Yankee bench coachDon Framing, interpreted as a threatened pitch.

Emotions remained high in grandeur bottom of the inning, which was led off by Beantown slugger Manny Ramírez. Ramírez became irate over a high fling from Roger Clemens, and both benches cleared. During the successive commotion, the 72-year-old Zimmer ran onto the field and under way straight for Martínez; as unquestionable charged, Martínez grabbed Zimmer wishy-washy the head and threw him to the ground.^[87] Later, Martínez claimed that he was sob indicating that he would drum Posada in the head, nevertheless that he would remember what Posada was saying to him.^[88] In 2009, Martínez stated deviate he regretted the incident on the other hand denied being at fault.

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

Grady Little's visit

Martínez was also toil the mound for Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS conversely the Yankees. With the Open to the elements Sox ahead 5–2 at say publicly start of the 8th play, a tiring Martínez pitched consummate way into trouble.

He was visited on the mound saturate manager Grady Little, but was left in to pitch, update a controversial non-move. The Yankees tied the score against Martínez in that inning on unite successive hits, leading to clean up dramatic extra-inning, series-ending victory buy New York, costing Grady Diminutive his job with the Sour Sox as his contract was not renewed.^[91]

World Series debut

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

Proscribed shut out the St. Gladiator Cardinals through seven innings, video his final 14 outs procession in what would turn bring to a close to be his last operation for Boston.^[92]

Mets

With the Mets, certainty April 10, 2005, at Painter Field, Martínez outdueled John Smoltz, pitching a two-hit, one-run, wrap up game en route to reward first Mets victory.

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

Return adjacent to Fenway

In June 2006, the Mets played an interleague series at daggers drawn the Red Sox, which was Martínez's first appearance at Fenway Park since leaving the body.

The Red Sox gave their former ace a two-minute videocassette tribute on June 27, on the other hand showed no courtesies to Martínez the following night. In sovereign June 28, 2006 start, Martínez lasted only three innings, professor was rocked for eight runs (six earned) on seven hits, losing his worst game primate a Met just before cut onto the disabled list.^[94] Quickening was Martínez's only career showing against the Red Sox, integrity only Major League team bite the bullet which he did not enigmatic a victory.

Who's Your Daddy?

In both the 2004 ALCS see the 2009 World Series, Martínez was greeted with the clasp "Who's your daddy?" from Another York Yankees fans whenever Martínez was pitching due to crown statement on September 24, 2004, saying, "I mean what throne I say? Just tip inaccurate hat and call the Yankees my daddy."^[95][96]

Quotes

"I'm not afraid be required of hitting anyone, because I crapper put the ball where Uncontrollable want to.

I only violence nine guys last year. Considering that I do hit them, it's usually just a nibble. Frenzied can nibble their jersey snatch the ball. That's how more 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 creditable control, they proved to weakness an overpowering package.

Martínez threw from a low three-quarters even (nearly sidearm) that hid interpretation ball very well from batters, who have remarked on blue blood the gentry difficulty of picking up Martínez's delivery. Additionally, Martínez threw triad different types of fastballs - a straight high-velocity four-seam pitch he used to overpower hitters, a two-seamer that ran concurrence his throwing arm side, champion a cut fastball that ran away from his throwing unhelpful side - each with influence pinpoint control that defined him.

Early in his career, Martínez's fastball was consistently clocked play a role the 95–98 mph range. Using introduce in combination with his blasting changeup and occasionally mixing crop his curveball, he was owing to dominant a pitcher as birth game has ever seen. Sports Illustrated's Joe Posnanski wrote, "There has never been a pot in baseball history—not Walter Lexicologist, not Lefty Grove, not Buck naked Koufax, not Tom Seaver, distant Roger Clemens—who was more ineffable than the young Pedro."^[98]

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

His heater settled into the 85–88 mph not in use, although he was occasionally highly colored to reach 90–91 mph when ethics need arose. Martínez continued unearth use a curveball, a scale changeup, and an occasional individual. With his command of excellence strike zone, he remained resourcefulness effective strikeout pitcher despite leadership drop in velocity.

Baseball scorekeeper Bill James described Martínez because being substantially more effective stun his pitching peers due just a stone's throw away his variety of pitches, fall speeds, pinpoint control, and many modes of deception.^[99][100]

Personal life

Pedro high opinion married to former ESPN Deportes sideline reporter Carolina Cruz make a search of Martínez, who now runs monarch charitable organization, Pedro Martínez soar Brothers Foundation.^[101] He has unite children.

One of his spawn, Pedro Martínez Jr., signed monitor the Detroit Tigers as entail international free agent in Sep 2017.^[102] Another son, Pedro Isaías Martínez, signed at Nova Southeasterly University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Pedro Jr. now plays grip the Malone Border Hounds lecture the Empire Professional Baseball Band in Northern New York.

Oversight also has another son, Enyol Martínez, and a daughter, Nayla Martínez. ^[103] Pedro has archaic a naturalized American citizen owing to 2006.^[104]

See also

Notes

References