Pedro Martínez 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, Martínez 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. Martínez's journey stands as a true rags-to-riches story, spanning humble beginnings to baseball immortality.
Pedro Jaime Martínez was born on October 25, 1971, in Manoguayabo, a suburb of Santo Domingo 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.
Pedro’s older brother, Ramón Martínez, was an established pro pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pedro often accompanied Ramón to Dodgers training camps, carrying his bags. It was during one of these sessions that Ramón noticed Pedro’s pitching velocity, clocking over 80 mph—an early glimpse of his future potential.
Inspired by Ramón’s success, Pedro Martínez 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, Martínez’s powerful arm quickly silenced doubts—including those of then-manager Tommy Lasorda, who initially questioned his size as a starter.
During the 1993 season, Martínez 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.
In Montreal, Martínez 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.
| Description: | Municipality of Spain |
| Net Worth 2021: | 50 million |
