Pedro Martínez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Pedro Martínez.

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

1910: FIP record

In 1999, Pedro Martínez's 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.

1917: Ernie Shore's perfect relief stint

In 1917, Ernie Shore had a perfect relief stint.

1959: Harvey Haddix's legendary 12 perfect innings

In 1959, Harvey Haddix pitched a legendary 12 perfect innings (lost in the 13th).

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.

September 1999: AL Pitcher of the Month

In September 1999, Pedro Martínez was named the AL Pitcher of the Month. It was the fourth time he earned this title in the single season.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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: Brad Penny matched All-Star game feat

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

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.

December 2009: MLB All-Decade Team

In December 2009, Sports Illustrated named Martínez as one of the five pitchers in the starting rotation of its MLB All-Decade Team.

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.

February 2011: National Portrait Gallery Acquisition

In February 2011, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery announced it had acquired an oil painting of Martínez for its collection.

January 2015: Elected to 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 his plaque feature him wearing a Boston Red Sox cap. He expressed pride in representing Boston and New England and gratitude to all the teams and fans that contributed to his honor.