Challenges in the Life of Pedro Martínez in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Pedro Martínez faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Pedro Martínez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball pitcher who played in MLB from 1992-2009. He is most known for his time with the Boston Red Sox (1998-2004) during which he achieved significant success and cemented his legacy as one of baseball's most dominant pitchers. Martínez also played for several other teams during his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

April 13, 1994: Near Perfect Game

On April 13, 1994, Pedro Martínez pitched 7 1/3 perfect innings before hitting Reggie Sanders with a pitch, leading to a bench-clearing brawl. Martínez received a no-decision in the game, which the Expos eventually won 3-2.

1999: Playoff Series Against Cleveland Indians

In 1999, Pedro Martínez was a key player in Boston's playoff series against the Cleveland Indians. He exited the opening game after four innings due to a strained back, with the Red Sox losing 3-2. Despite being injured, he entered the decisive fifth game as a relief pitcher, delivering six no-hit innings to secure a 12-8 victory. In the American League Championship Series in 1999, Martínez pitched seven shutout innings against the New York Yankees in Game 3.

2001: Rotator cuff injury

In 2001, Pedro Martínez spent much of the season on the disabled list due to a rotator cuff injury, finishing with a 7-3 record, a 2.39 ERA, and 163 strikeouts in 116 innings.

2002: League Leader Despite Cy Young Snub

In 2002, Pedro Martínez rebounded from injury, leading the league with a 2.26 ERA, 0.923 WHIP, and 239 strikeouts, while going 20-4. Despite leading in these statistics, he narrowly lost the American League Cy Young Award to Barry Zito.

2003: Third for Cy Young Award

In 2003, Martínez had a 14-4 record and led the league in ERA (2.22), ERA+ (211), and WHIP (1.04). He finished second in strikeouts and came in third for the 2003 Cy Young Award.

2003: Loss in Game 7 of the ALCS

In 2003, Martínez pitched Game 7 of the ALCS against the Yankees. After starting the 8th inning with a 5-2 lead, he allowed the Yankees to tie the game, ultimately leading to a series-ending loss for the Red Sox.

June 28, 2006: Worst Game as a Met Against Red Sox

On June 28, 2006, in his only career appearance against the Red Sox, Martínez had his worst game as a Met, lasting only three innings and allowing eight runs. It was his only Major League team against which he did not record a victory.

November 3, 2006: Possible Retirement

On November 3, 2006, Pedro Martínez stated that he might retire after the 2007 season if he couldn't return to full strength.

2006: Hip Injury and Declining Performance

In 2006, Pedro Martinez started the season strong. However, on May 26, 2006, during a game against the Florida Marlins, Martinez injured his hip after being instructed to change his undershirt. This injury led to a decline in his performance, with a 4-7 record and a 7.10 ERA in subsequent starts, further plagued by a right calf injury. MRI exams later revealed a torn muscle in his left calf and a torn rotator cuff.

2007: Possible Retirement

In 2007, Pedro Martínez stated that he might retire after the 2007 season if he couldn't return to full strength.

2007: Surgery Sidelines Martínez

In 2007, the surgery Martínez underwent in 2006 sidelined him for most of the 2007 season.

2008: Injuries and Career Lows

In 2008, Pedro Martínez experienced a lost season, marked by an early injury in his first game and subsequent diagnosis of a strained hamstring. He finished with a 5-6 record, a 5.61 ERA, and a 1.57 WHIP, all career lows.

2009: World Series Appearance and Loss

In 2009, Pedro Martínez started Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, taking the loss despite pitching effectively. He also started Game 6, allowing four runs in four innings, as the Phillies lost the World Series to the Yankees.