Pedro Takes Himself Out of the Game
Pedro Martinez is going to have a party and announce his retirement.
The greatest starter of all-time by ERA+. Some favorite memories:
9/10/1999 17 strikeouts against the Yankees in which the only base-runners allowed were a hit by pitch (Chuck Knoblauch) and a second inning home run by Chili Davis.
Game 5 of the 1999 ALDS. I still get chills thinking about a battered Pedro walking out of the bullpen to pitch 6 scoreless innings with 8 strikeouts against Cleveland — a team that scored over 1000 runs in the regular season.
8/29/2000 Beans Martinez Bros. nemesis Gerald Williams and then throws 8 perfect innings, finally giving up a single hit in the ninth to finish with a 1-hit shutout and 13 strikeouts.
Mini-Me. The man brought a levity to the game. He was a fierce competitor and an artist on the mound but a clubhouse jester. Fans believing that a serious demeanor indicates requisite focus and commitment should reconsider. The game is more fun with Pedro and Tony Plush.
Game 3 of the 2004 World Series. 7 innings, 6 strikeouts, 0 runs. Often overlooked.
