Pedro Martinez biography, married, wife, nationality, net worth, pitcher

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<h2>Rise to Fame in Major League Baseball</h2>

<p><a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Pedro Martínez</a> emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball history, playing a pivotal role in securing the Boston Red Sox's 2004 World Series title—their first in 86 years. Though not solely responsible for the win, his contribution was a key part of that historic season. Notably, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a> remains the only pitcher in MLB history to surpass 3,000 strikeouts in fewer than 3,000 innings pitched. His excellence on the mound earned him eight All-Star selections and three Cy Young Awards (1997, 1999, 2000). In 2015, his accomplishments were cemented with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a>'s journey stands as a true rags-to-riches story, spanning humble beginnings to baseball immortality.</p>

<h2>Early Life in the Dominican Republic</h2>

<p><a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Pedro Jaime Martínez</a> was born on October 25, 1971, in Manoguayabo, a suburb of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Domingo">Santo Domingo</a> in the Dominican Republic. One of six siblings, he was raised in a modest one-room home. His father took on various labor jobs, while his mother earned a living washing clothes. Despite financial hardship, baseball was a beloved pastime among the neighborhood children. Lacking proper equipment, they made do with makeshift balls crafted from oranges or socks stuffed with doll heads.</p>

<p>Pedro’s older <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramón_Martínez_(pitcher)">brother</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramón_Martínez_(pitcher)">Ramón Martínez</a>, was an established pro <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramón_Martínez_(pitcher)">pitcher</a> with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pedro often accompanied <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramón_Martínez_(pitcher)">Ramón</a> to Dodgers training camps, carrying his bags. It was during one of these sessions that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramón_Martínez_(pitcher)">Ramón</a> noticed Pedro’s pitching velocity, clocking over 80 mph—an early glimpse of his future potential.</p>

<h2>Major League Career and Achievements</h2>

<p>Inspired by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramón_Martínez_(pitcher)">Ramón</a>’s success, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Pedro Martínez</a> signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in June 1988. After several years in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut in September 1992. Despite standing at just 5 feet 11 inches, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a>’s powerful arm quickly silenced doubts—including those of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Lasorda">then-manager</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Lasorda">Tommy Lasorda</a>, who initially questioned his size as a starter.</p>

<p>During the 1993 season, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a> posted an impressive 2.61 ERA and recorded 119 strikeouts across 65 games. Nevertheless, he was traded to the Montreal Expos before the 1994 season, a turning point in his career.</p>

<p>In Montreal, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a> flourished. He pitched nine perfect innings in a 1995 game against the San Diego Padres, though the perfect game bid ended in the 10th inning. In 1997, he finished with a 17–8 record, 1.90 ERA, 13 complete games, and over 300 strikeouts—earning him the Cy Young Award and becoming the only Expo ever to receive the honor.</p>

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<h2>Boston Red Sox and Historic World Series Victory</h2>

<p>Traded to the Boston Red Sox in November 1997, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a> agreed to a six-year, $75 million contract—then the highest for a pitcher. He impressed immediately, posting a 19–7 record and a 2.89 ERA in his first season. <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a> delivered dominant performances for several years, forming a vital part of the Red Sox rotation. In 1999 and 2000, he posted historic numbers, including a 1.74 ERA in 2000, despite competing in the height of the steroid era.</p>

<p>His Red Sox tenure culminated in the 2004 World Series championship, where the team swept the St. Louis Cardinals. Though other stars also played significant roles, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a>’s outstanding postseason performances contributed to breaking the franchise’s 86-year title drought.</p>

<h2>Later Career and Retirement</h2>

<p>In December 2004, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a> signed a four-year contract with the New York Mets. Although injuries began to hamper his effectiveness, he recorded a strong 15–8 season in his first year with the Mets in 2005. He pitched for them through 2008, followed by a brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009, where he served as a veteran presence and helped the team reach the World Series.</p>

<p><a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Pedro Martínez</a> officially retired in December 2011, closing his career with a remarkable 219–100 win-loss record and a 2.93 earned run average.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Philanthropy</h2>

<p><a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a> met <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Cruz">Carolina Cruz</a> in 1998 while she was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Cruz">sophomore</a> at Boston College and he was pitching for the Red Sox. She was a standout <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Cruz">volleyball player</a> majoring in journalism. The couple married in 2005, and Carolina later became a reporter for ESPN Deportes.</p>

<p>Together, they co-founded the Pedro Martinez and Brothers Foundation, which operates in both the Dominican Republic and the United States. The foundation primarily focuses on improving healthcare, education, and youth development in underserved communities. Additionally, Carolina developed her own initiative, “The Power of Learning,” which empowers young women in the Dominican Republic through access to quality education.</p>

<h2>Legacy and Honors</h2>

<p>Post-retirement, <a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Martínez</a> remained connected to the game, joining the Boston Red Sox in 2013 as a special assistant to then-<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Cherington">general manager</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Cherington">Ben Cherington</a>. In January 2015, his baseball legacy was immortalized with his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving 91.1% of the vote on his first ballot. That same year, the Red Sox retired his jersey number 45 in recognition of his immense impact on the franchise.</p>

<p><a href="/biography/pedro-martinez">Pedro Martínez</a>’s net worth is estimated to be around $70 million, a reflection of both his successful career and endorsements. As a player, philanthropist, and mentor, he has left an indelible mark on the world of baseball and beyond.</p>

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