Oct 24, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former pitcher Pedro Martinez walks to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch with other members of the 2004 Boston Red Sox prior to game two of the MLB baseball World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Pedro Martinez is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever wear a Boston Red Sox uniform. Every time he took the mound the ballpark buzzed with an electric atmosphere that left fans on the edge of their seats, waiting to witness his next great masterpiece.
On the verge of Martinez’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, let’s look back at some of the most memorable moments of his historic career. There are so many that stand out, ranging from his battle with Roger Clemens in the 1999 ALCS, to the “immaculate inning” where he struck out three straight Seattle Mariners on a total of 9 pitches. There was the time he tussled with Don Zimmer and the time he dismissed any notion of a curse by claiming he would drill Babe Ruth if given the chance to face him.
When reflecting upon the career of a legend like Martinez, it’s not easy narrowing his accomplishments down to determine the greatest of the great. Here’s my attempt to capture a few of my favorite memories of the man Boston would always know as Pedro.