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 pitcher who played in MLB from 1992 to 2009. He is most recognized for his time with the Boston Red Sox (1998-2004). Martínez is regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, known for his exceptional command, velocity, and devastating changeup. He won three Cy Young Awards, a World Series title with the Red Sox in 2004, and was an eight-time All-Star. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1988: Signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent

In 1988, Pedro Martínez was signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent. He was assigned to the Great Falls Dodgers where he worked with coach Guy Conti to develop a circle changeup. Conti also worked with the young pitcher on his English and helped him assimilate to the United States.

September 24, 1992: MLB Debut

On September 24, 1992, Pedro Martínez made his Major League Baseball debut for the Dodgers against the Cincinnati Reds, pitching two scoreless innings of relief.

1992: Martínez's Record in 1992

Martínez was 0-1 in two appearances in 1992.

April 13, 1994: Perfect game through 7+1⁄3 innings

On April 13, 1994, Pedro Martínez took a perfect game through 7+1⁄3 innings until throwing a brushback pitch at Reggie Sanders, leading to a bench-clearing brawl. The game ended in a no-decision for Martínez, but the Expos won 3–2.

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, Martínez pitched a one-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds, with the sole hit occurring in the fifth inning.

1997: Won the National League Cy Young Award

In 1997, Pedro Martínez had a 17–8 record for the Expos, leading the league in various pitching categories including a 1.90 ERA and 305 strikeouts. He became the only Expo ever to win the National League Cy Young Award.

1998: Signed to a six-year contract

Following his trade to the Boston Red Sox, Pedro Martínez was signed to a six-year, $75 million contract (with an option for a seventh year at $17 million) by Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette. In 1998, Martínez compiled a 19–7 record and finished second in the American League in ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, and Cy Young Award voting.

May 1999: Consecutive Starts with 10+ Strikeouts

Between April and May 1999, Pedro Martínez achieved 10 or more strikeouts in seven consecutive starts, showcasing his dominance on the mound during this period.

August 1999: Consecutive Starts with 10+ Strikeouts

Starting in August 1999, Pedro Martínez achieved the feat of 10 or more strikeouts in 10 consecutive starts, extending until April 2000. During the latter streak, he averaged over 15 strikeouts per nine innings, highlighting his exceptional performance.

September 10, 1999: Near Perfect Game Against the Yankees

On September 10, 1999, Martínez pitched a near-perfect game against the New York Yankees, allowing only a solo home run by Chili Davis in the second inning and striking out 17, leading to a 3–1 victory. He retired the last 22 batters he faced.

September 1999: Named AL Pitcher of the Month

In September 1999, Pedro Martínez was named the AL Pitcher of the Month. This was his fourth time winning this award in a single season. He punctuated his dominance in the 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park and earned All-Star Game MVP for his performance.

October 11, 1999: Game 5 ALDS Relief Win

On October 11, 1999, in Game 5 of the ALDS, Martínez relieved Derek Lowe despite being injured and pitched six hitless innings to secure the win against Cleveland, clinching the ALDS for Boston.

1999: Dominant Performance in 1999 and 2000

Across 1999 and 2000, Martínez showcased remarkable dominance. Some baseball experts believe that given the era, his performance was the peak for any pitcher in baseball history.

1999: Finished 23–4 with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts

In 1999, Martínez achieved a 23–4 record with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts, earning the Pitching Triple Crown. He led the major leagues with a 13.20 strikeouts per nine innings and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 8.46. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 1.39 was the lowest in the major leagues since 1910 for pitchers throwing more than 35 innings. Also, he became the ninth modern pitcher to record a second 300-strikeout season.

1999: Starting Pitcher for American League All-Star Team

In 1999, Martínez was selected as the starting pitcher for the American League All-Star team, held at Fenway Park. He started the game by striking out the first four batters, marking a historic achievement.

1999: Excellent Season Leading to Cy Young Award

In 1999, Pedro Martínez had an excellent season, setting the stage for another Cy Young Award. This performance was a precursor to his achievements in 2000.

1999: Focal point of Boston's 1999 playoff series against the Cleveland Indians

In 1999, Pedro Martínez played a crucial role in the Boston Red Sox's playoff series against the Cleveland Indians. He started the series opener but exited early due to a strained back. In the deciding Game 5, he pitched six no-hit innings in relief, leading the Red Sox to victory. He also pitched seven shutout innings against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.

1999: Dominant Performance Against Roger Clemens in ALCS Game 3

In 1999, during Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, Martínez dominated Roger Clemens, striking out 12 Yankees in seven scoreless innings, leading the Red Sox to a 13–1 victory. This handed the defending World Series Champions their only loss of the 1999 postseason.

April 2000: Consecutive Starts with 10+ Strikeouts

Pedro Martínez's streak that started in August 1999 continued until April 2000, achieving the feat of 10 or more strikeouts in 10 consecutive starts. During the latter streak, he averaged over 15 strikeouts per nine innings, highlighting his exceptional performance.

May 28, 2000: Dramatic Duel with Roger Clemens on "Sunday Night Baseball"

On May 28, 2000, Martínez engaged in a dramatic pitching duel with Roger Clemens on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball." Martínez pitched a shutout, allowing no runs despite the Yankees loading the bases in the ninth inning, securing a 1-0 victory for the Red Sox.

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August 29, 2000: Near No-Hitter Against Tampa Bay Devil Rays

On August 29, 2000, Martínez lost a no-hitter in the 9th against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on a leadoff single by John Flaherty. In the same game, he was knocked down after hitting Gerald Williams, but he retired the next 24 hitters until Flaherty's single. Despite never throwing an official no-hitter, he expressed a lack of concern stating, "I think my career is more interesting than one game."

2000: Dominant Performance in 1999 and 2000

Across 1999 and 2000, Martínez showcased remarkable dominance. Some baseball experts believe that given the era, his performance was the peak for any pitcher in baseball history.

2000: Record-Breaking WHIP and Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio in 2000

In 2000, Martínez achieved a WHIP of 0.74, the second lowest in major league history. He also broke his own record for the highest single-season strikeout-to-walk ratio in American League history, leading the league with 284 strikeouts and only 32 walks. He held hitters to a .167/.213/.259 slash line.

2000: Another Excellent Season and Cy Young Award

In 2000, Martínez had an excellent season with a 1.74 ERA, the lowest in the American League since 1978, leading to his third Cy Young Award. His adjusted ERA+ was the second highest in major league history among pitchers throwing over 200 innings.

2000: Seven complete games pitched

In 2000, Pedro Martínez completed seven games. In 1997, Martinez completed 13 games which were by far the highest in Martínez's career, as he only completed more than five games in one other season.

2001: Injury-Plagued Season in 2001

In 2001, Martínez spent much of the season on the disabled list with a rotator cuff injury, despite carrying a sub-2.00 ERA to the season's midpoint. He finished with a 7–3 record and 163 strikeouts in 116 innings.

2002: League Leader in ERA, WHIP, and Strikeouts in 2002

In 2002, Martínez rebounded from injury to lead the league with a 2.26 ERA, 0.923 WHIP, and 239 strikeouts, while going 20–4. However, he narrowly missed winning the Cy Young Award.

October 2003: 130 pitches since ALDS in October 2003

On September 13, 2009, Martínez pitched eight innings to beat the Mets again, by a final score of 1–0. His 130 pitches were the most he had thrown in a game since the ALDS in October 2003.

2003: League Leader in ERA, ERA+, and WHIP in 2003

In 2003, Martínez led the league in ERA (2.22), ERA+ (211), and WHIP (1.04) for the fifth time each. He finished second in strikeouts and came in third for the Cy Young Award.

2004: Became a Free Agent After 2004 World Series Triumph

After the Boston Red Sox's World Series win in 2004, Martínez became a free agent.

2004: World Series Championship in 2004

Despite a higher ERA in 2004, Martínez went 16–9 and contributed effectively in the playoffs. He pitched seven shutout innings in Game 3 of the World Series, helping the Red Sox secure their first championship in 86 years.

2004: World Series Game 3 Win

In 2004, following a comparatively lackluster season, Martínez secured the win in Game 3 of the World Series. He shut out the St. Louis Cardinals through seven innings, marking his final game for Boston.

April 10, 2005: First Mets Victory

On April 10, 2005, Martínez outdueled John Smoltz, pitching a two-hit, one-run, complete game en route to his first Mets victory.

August 14, 2005: Near No-Hitter Against the Dodgers

On August 14, 2005, Martínez pitched 7+1⁄3 hitless innings against the Dodgers, but ultimately lost the no-hitter and the game.

2005: First Season as a Met in 2005

In 2005, Martínez signed with the New York Mets and posted a 15–8 record with a 2.82 ERA, leading the league with a 0.95 WHIP. Opponents batted .204 against him.

June 2006: First Appearance at Fenway Park Since Leaving the Red Sox

In June 2006, the Mets played an interleague series against the Red Sox, marking Martínez's first appearance at Fenway Park since leaving the team. He received a video tribute on June 27 from the Red Sox.

June 28, 2006: Worst Game as a Met

On June 28, 2006, in his only career appearance against the Red Sox, Martínez lasted only three innings and was rocked for eight runs (six earned), losing his worst game as a Met just before going onto the disabled list.

November 3, 2006: Martínez Considers Retirement

On November 3, 2006, Martínez stated that he might retire after the 2007 season if he could not return to full strength, citing the severity of his recent injury.

December 30, 2006: Martínez Optimistic About Recovery

By December 30, 2006, Martínez was more optimistic about his recovery, reporting excellent progress with his reach and flexibility, and noting that he had gained about 10 pounds of muscle as part of his recuperative regimen.

2006: Injury-Plagued Season in 2006

In 2006, despite a strong start to the season, Martínez suffered a hip injury in May and later a right calf injury, leading to a series of spotty starts and time on the disabled list. MRI exams revealed a torn muscle in his left calf and a torn rotator cuff.

September 3, 2007: Martínez Returns from the Disabled List and Achieves 3,000th Career Strikeout

On September 3, 2007, Martínez returned from the disabled list with his 207th career win and achieved his 3,000th career strikeout, becoming the 15th pitcher to reach that milestone.

2007: Surgery sidelined Martínez for most of the 2007 season

Due to a torn muscle in Martínez's left calf and a torn rotator cuff, Martínez underwent surgery which sidelined him for most of the 2007 season.

2007: Strong Finish in 2007

Martínez's unexpectedly strong finish in 2007 raised hopes for the following season.

2007: Martínez Might Retire After the 2007 Season

On November 3, 2006, Martínez stated that he might retire after the 2007 season if he could not return to full strength.

2008: Injury-Plagued Season in 2008

2008 was a lost season for Martínez, marked by an early injury and a decline in performance. He finished with a losing record and career-worst ERA and WHIP.

July 2009: Signs with the Phillies in July 2009

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

2009: Phillies Debut and Milestone Win in 2009

In 2009, Martínez debuted with the Phillies and achieved his 100th National League win, becoming the 10th pitcher in history to win at least 100 games in each league. Philadelphia won each of his first seven starts, a franchise first.

2009: World Series Appearance and Loss in 2009

In 2009, Martínez pitched in the World Series for the Phillies, taking the loss in Game 2 and Game 6 as the Yankees won the series. His return to Yankee Stadium generated significant media attention.

December 2010: Considering retirement in December 2010

In December 2010, Martinez was realizing what it is to be a normal person, and said that it's most likely that he doesn't return to active baseball. He did not know if he would definitively announce his retirement at the time.

December 4, 2011: Official Retirement Announcement on December 4, 2011

On December 4, 2011, Martínez officially announced his retirement from baseball, after considering it for some time and not signing with a team for the 2010 or 2011 seasons.

January 24, 2013: Joins the Boston Red Sox as Special Assistant on January 24, 2013

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

2013: Studio Analyst for MLB on TBS

Since 2013, Martínez has worked as a studio analyst for MLB on TBS, providing postseason coverage analysis.

June 22, 2015: Retirement of Number 45 by the Red Sox

On June 22, 2015, the Red Sox announced that Martínez's number 45 would be retired on July 28, following his Hall of Fame induction. This decision underscores the respect and admiration for his career.

2015: Studio Analyst for MLB Network and Autobiography Release

In 2015, Martínez began working as a studio analyst for the MLB Network. Also in 2015, he released his autobiography, "Pedro", co-authored with Michael Silverman, reflecting on his career.