Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Pedro Martínez

Discover the career path of Pedro Martínez, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Pedro Martínez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball starting pitcher. He played in MLB from 1992 to 2009 for five teams, most prominently the Boston Red Sox (1998-2004). Known for his exceptional pitching skills and competitive spirit, Martínez is considered one of the greatest pitchers of his era.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1992: 0-1 Record

In 1992, Martinez was 0-1 in two appearances.

November 1997: Traded to the Boston Red Sox

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

1997: One-hitter against the Reds

In 1997, Pedro Martínez pitched a one-hitter against the Reds, with the lone hit occurring in the 5th inning.

May 1999: Consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts

Between April and May 1999, Pedro Martínez struck out 10 or more batters in seven consecutive starts, showcasing his dominant pitching performance.

July 13, 1999: Starting Pitcher for the American League All-Star team

On July 13, 1999, Pedro Martínez started as pitcher for the American League All-Star team at Fenway Park, striking out the first four batters. He struck out Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, and Sammy Sosa consecutively in the first inning, and Mark McGwire in the second inning, becoming the first pitcher to begin an All-Star game by striking out the first four batters.

August 1999: Consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts

Between August 1999 and April 2000, Pedro Martínez achieved the same feat in 10 consecutive starts, averaging more than 15 strikeouts per nine innings during the latter streak, continuing his exceptional pitching form.

September 10, 1999: Near Perfect Game Against Yankees

On September 10, 1999, Pedro Martínez nearly pitched a perfect game against the New York Yankees, allowing only a solo home run by Chili Davis. He struck out 17, walked none, and retired the last 22 batters he faced. He won the game 3-1.

October 11, 1999: Clinching ALDS in relief

On October 11, 1999, in Game 5 of the ALDS, Pedro Martínez threw six hitless innings in relief to win and clinch the ALDS for Boston, despite having a back injury from Game 1.

1999: Dominant Performance

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

1999: Beat Roger Clemens and the Yankees in Game 3

In 1999, Pedro Martínez beat Roger Clemens and the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, striking out 12 in seven scoreless innings. He finished 1999 with a streak of 17 scoreless innings in the playoffs.

1999: Dominant pitching season

In 1999, Pedro Martínez finished the season with an impressive 23–4 record, a 2.07 ERA, and 313 strikeouts, earning the Pitching Triple Crown with 213+1⁄3 innings across 31 games. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 1.39 was the lowest single-season total in the major leagues since 1910 among pitchers who threw more than 35 innings.

1999: Focal Point of Playoff Series

In 1999, Pedro Martínez started the playoff series opener against the Cleveland Indians but exited after four innings due to a strained back. He later pitched six no-hit innings in the deciding game as an emergency relief option, helping the Red Sox win. He also pitched seven shutout innings against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series that year.

1999: Playoff Series against the Cleveland Indians

In 1999, Pedro Martínez was a focal point of Boston's playoff series against the Cleveland Indians.

May 28, 2000: Dramatic Duel against Roger Clemens

On May 28, 2000, Pedro Martínez and Roger Clemens had a dramatic duel on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball." Martínez pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only a 9th-inning home run.

August 29, 2000: One-Hitter Against the Devil Rays

On August 29, 2000, Pedro Martínez pitched a one-hitter against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, losing the no-hitter on a leadoff single in the 9th inning. He had previously hit the leadoff batter, Gerald Williams, who charged the mound.

2000: Dominant Performance

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

2000: Record-Breaking Season

In 2000, Martínez achieved a WHIP of 0.74 and set a new American League record for the highest single-season strikeout-to-walk ratio (8.88), striking out 284 batters while walking only 32.

2000: Cy Young Award and Dominant Season

In 2000, Pedro Martínez had an excellent season, achieving a 1.74 ERA, the lowest in the American League since 1978, and won his third Cy Young Award.

2001: Injury and Slump

In 2001, Martínez spent much of the season on the disabled list due to a rotator cuff injury, as the Red Sox had a poor finish.

2002: League Leader

In 2002, Martínez rebounded from injury, leading the league with a 2.26 ERA, 0.923 WHIP, and 239 strikeouts, while going 20–4. He did not win the Cy Young Award, however.

October 2003: Last Time Throwing over 130 Pitches

In the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009, he pitched seven shutout innings while allowing just two hits, but the Philadelphia bullpen faltered in the following inning, costing Martínez the win. His 130 pitches were the most he had thrown in a game since the ALDS in October 2003.

2003: League Leader in ERA and WHIP

In 2003, Martínez led the league in ERA (2.22), ERA+ (211), and WHIP (1.04) for the fifth time each and finished second to league leader Esteban Loaiza by a single strikeout. He came in third for the Cy Young Award.

2004: Won Game 3 of the World Series

After a comparatively lackluster season, Pedro Martínez got the win in Game 3 of the 2004 World Series, shutting out the St. Louis Cardinals through seven innings. This was his last game for Boston.

2004: Free Agency and Mets Contract

After the World Series win in 2004, Martínez became a free agent and signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the New York Mets.

2004: World Series Championship

In 2004, despite a high ERA, Martínez helped the Red Sox win the World Series, their first championship in 86 years, pitching effectively in the playoffs.

April 10, 2005: First Mets victory

On April 10, 2005, Pedro Martínez pitched a two-hit, one-run, complete game against John Smoltz, securing his first victory as a Met.

2005: First Season as a Met

In 2005, Martínez posted a 15–8 record with a 2.82 ERA and led the league with a 0.95 WHIP in his first season as a Met.

June 2006: First Appearance at Fenway Park Since Leaving the Team

In June 2006, Pedro Martínez made his first appearance at Fenway Park since leaving the Red Sox, receiving a video tribute.

November 3, 2006: Potential Retirement

On November 3, 2006, Martínez expressed the possibility of retiring if he couldn't return to full strength due to his injuries.

December 30, 2006: Optimistic Outlook

By December 30, 2006, Martínez reported excellent progress in his recovery, noting improved reach and flexibility and stating he had gained 10 pounds of muscle as part of his recovery.

2006: Injury and Decline

In 2006, after a promising start, Martínez injured his hip and calf, leading to a decline in his performance and surgery.

September 3, 2007: Return from Disabled List and 3,000th Strikeout

On September 3, 2007, Martínez returned from the disabled list, earning his 207th career win and collecting his 3,000th career strikeout.

2007: Potential Retirement

In 2007, Martínez stated that if he could not return to full strength, he might end up retiring after the 2007 season.

2007: Unexpectedly strong finish

Martínez had an unexpectedly strong finish in 2007.

2007: Recovery and Surgery

Martínez had surgery on his calf and torn rotator cuff, sidelining him for most of the 2007 season.

2008: Strained Hamstring and Struggles

In 2008, Martínez strained his hamstring early in the season and struggled upon his return, finishing with a losing record and career-worst ERA and WHIP.

July 2009: Phillies Contract

In July 2009, after showcasing his arm in the World Baseball Classic, Martínez signed a one-year, $1-million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

2009: World Series Loss

In 2009, Martínez pitched in the World Series for the Phillies but took the loss in Game 2 and Game 6 as the Yankees won the series.

2009: Success with Phillies

In 2009, Martínez won his debut with the Phillies and later became the 10th pitcher in history to win at least 100 games in each league. Philadelphia won each of Martínez's first seven starts.

December 2010: Considering Retirement

In December 2010, Martínez indicated he was realizing what it meant to be a normal person and was considering retirement from active baseball.

December 4, 2011: Official Retirement

On December 4, 2011, Martínez officially announced his retirement from baseball.

January 24, 2013: Special Assistant to the General Manager

On January 24, 2013, Martínez joined the Boston Red Sox as a special assistant to general manager Ben Cherington.

2013: Worked on MLB on TBS

In 2013, Martínez began working on MLB on TBS as a studio analyst for postseason coverage.

June 22, 2015: Red Sox to retire number 45

On June 22, 2015, the Red Sox announced that Pedro Martínez's number 45 would be retired on July 28, following his Hall of Fame induction.

2015: Worked on MLB Network and Released Autobiography

In 2015, Pedro Martínez worked on the MLB Network as a studio analyst. Also in 2015, he released his autobiography, Pedro, co-authored with Michael Silverman.