Pedro Martinez was one of the most dominant pitchers of his time, claiming 3 Cy Young Awards and 8 All-Star berths while guiding the Boston Red Sox to a World Series championship in 2004. Posting a career ERA of 2.93 and a record of 219-100 in 18 Major League seasons, the now-retired Martinez seldom struggled to find success as an MLB starting pitcher, something that isn't easy with the tremendous offensive talent that continues to grow each and every season.
Beginning his career in 1992 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Martinez grew into a reliable pitcher 1993, posting a 10-5 record in 65 total appearances for L.A. that season while working primarily in a reliever role. Shipping off to Montreal before the start of the 1994 season, the Dominican Republic native became a full-time starter for a talented Expos team. Remaining with the club until 1997, Martinez earned his first of 3 Cy Young Awards in his final year with the team despite the club's failure to contend in the National League Eastern division.
Martinez was traded to the Boston Red Sox in November of 1997 and it was in Boston where the right handed stud enjoyed the greatest years of his career. Along with winning the Cy Young Award in 1999 and 2000, Martinez was a key member during the Red Sox' run to the 2004 World Series championship, the organization's first title since 1918. Officially retiring following the conclusion of the 2009 season - a season he spent with the Philadelphia Phillies - Martinez is now set to re-enter the game of baseball from a different angle.
According to SI.com, the former Red Sox star was recently hired by Turner Sports to serve as a studio analyst for TBS's coverage of the 2013 MLB Playoffs. Auditioning for the studio show gig in August, Martinez - now 41 years of age - says he'd like to be viewed as a baseball educator and as someone who can dissect the game in a competent manner for the TBS viewers.
Making his debut this past weekend, Martinez says he'll also use this time to see if he has interest in become a long-term broadcaster.
"First the right facts, and then hopefully a lesson on some of the things that players go through during a season," Martinez said recently regarding how he plans to utilize his announcing talents. "Hopefully, this will be teaching moment for the fans and kids who are watching. I want to educate you on the different aspects of the game. My first day on Sunday was great, but I am test-flying right now. I want to continue to do it and see if it is something I want to do in the future. Analyzing pitching is not all that difficult if I get to see the guy pitching. I can explain what went right or wrong. Basically, the pitcher will let you know what went right or wrong."
Fully prepared for the upcoming postseason where he'll sit alongside host Keith Olbermann, Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci and Dirk Hayhurst, Martinez also praised the 19-year career of former New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.
The Red Sox and New York Yankees are two of the biggest rivals is sports and even though Martinez and Rivera served as competitors over the years, the three-time Cy Young Award winner made it known that he was proud to play alongside the greatest closer of all-time.
"What I said was all about respect and best wishes and about how much I want him to be at peace with his family," Martinez said. "I have all the respect in the world with him."
The 2013 Major League Baseball postseason kicks off on Tuesday, October 1 with the National League Wild Card game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates. Coverage will be offered through TBS beginning at 8:00pm, ET.
RELATED: Lionel Messi Injury Update: Barcelona Star Out 2-3 Weeks With Thigh Injury; What Will He Miss?
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
