History of Pedro Martínez in Timeline

Pedro Martínez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball pitcher, primarily known for his dominant tenure with the Boston Red Sox (1998-2004). He played in MLB from 1992 to 2009. Martínez is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1917: Retroactive Decertification of No-Hit Games

In 1917, Ernie Shore's perfect relief stint was retroactively decertified as a perfect game due to a rule clarification.

1959: Retroactive Decertification of No-Hit Games

In 1959, Harvey Haddix's legendary 12 perfect innings were retroactively decertified as a perfect game due to a rule clarification.

1991: Rule Clarification on Perfect Games

In 1991, a rule clarification specified that perfect games, even beyond nine innings, must remain perfect until the game is completed for them to be considered perfect.

1997: One-Hitter Against the Reds

In 1997, Pedro Martínez, pitching for the Montreal Expos, had a one-hitter against the Reds, with the single hit coming in the fifth inning.

September 10, 1999: Near-Perfect Game Against the 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 in the second inning and retiring the last 22 batters he faced.

October 11, 1999: Game 5 ALDS Relief Appearance

On October 11, 1999, in Game 5 of the ALDS, Pedro Martínez, despite an ailing back, threw six hitless innings in relief to secure the win for the Boston Red Sox against Cleveland, clinching the series.

1999: ALCS Game 3 Victory Against Yankees

In 1999, Pedro Martínez struck out 12 Yankees in seven scoreless innings during Game 3 of the ALCS, leading the Red Sox to a 13-1 victory against Roger Clemens and the New York Yankees.

1999: All-Star Game Starting Pitcher Selection

In 1999, Pedro Martínez was selected as the starting pitcher for the American League All-Star team, striking out the first four batters and ultimately winning the game's MVP award.

May 28, 2000: Dramatic Duel with Roger Clemens

On May 28, 2000, Pedro Martínez and Roger Clemens had a dramatic pitching duel on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball", with Martínez ultimately completing a shutout victory after Trot Nixon's ninth-inning home run.

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

On August 29, 2000, Pedro Martínez lost a no-hitter in the 9th inning against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after retiring 24 consecutive hitters, finishing with a one-hitter and 13 strikeouts.

2003: Incident with Don Zimmer in ALCS Game 3

During the 2003 ALCS Game 3, Pedro Martínez hit Karim García with a pitch, leading to a confrontation with the Yankees and an incident where Martínez threw Yankee coach Don Zimmer to the ground during a bench-clearing altercation.

2003: Game 7 ALCS Performance

In Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, Pedro Martínez struggled in the 8th inning, allowing the Yankees to tie the game and ultimately costing the Red Sox the series.

September 24, 2004: "Yankees are my daddy" statement

On September 24, 2004, Pedro Martínez stated, "Just tip my hat and call the Yankees my daddy."

2004: World Series Game 3 Win

In 2004, Pedro Martínez won Game 3 of the World Series, shutting out the St. Louis Cardinals through seven innings in what would be his last game for Boston.

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.

August 14, 2005: Near No-Hitter Against Dodgers

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

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 before struggling in his start against his former team.

June 28, 2006: Worst Game as a Met

On June 28, 2006, Pedro Martínez had his worst game as a Met, lasting only three innings and allowing eight runs against the Red Sox, just before going onto the disabled list.

2006: Brad Penny Matches All-Star Game Feat

In 2006, Brad Penny matched Martínez's 1999 feat of striking out the first four batters in an All-Star game.

2006: Became a Naturalized American Citizen

In 2006, Pedro Martínez became a naturalized American citizen.

2009: Regret over Zimmer Incident

In 2009, Pedro Martínez stated that he regretted the 2003 incident with Don Zimmer but denied being at fault.

2009: "Who's Your Daddy?" Chants

In 2009, Pedro Martínez was greeted with "Who's your daddy?" chants from New York Yankees fans, a continuation from the 2004 ALCS due to his earlier statement.

2013: Joined MLB on TBS

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

January 2015: Election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame

In January 2015, Pedro Martínez was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with 91.1% of the vote and chose to have the Boston Red Sox cap on his Hall of Fame plaque.

June 22, 2015: Announcement of Number Retirement by Red Sox

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