Dennis Martinez
From BR Bullpen
Jose Dennis Martinez Emilia (El Presidente)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 185 lb.
- Debut September 14, 1976
- Final Game September 27, 1998
- Born May 14, 1955 in Granada, Nicaragua
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[edit] Biographical Information
Dennis Martinez is the all-time leader in wins among Latin players with 245 and was the first Nicaraguan-born major leaguer. He is currently the Minister of Sport in Nicaragua.
Martinez pitched a perfect game for the Montreal Expos on July 28, 1991, a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Martinez overcame alcoholism in the mid-1980s to rejuvenate his career with the Expos. It can be argued that his poor performance, due to alcoholism, during his final four seasons in Baltimore (1983-1986) cost him a chance at the Hall of Fame. If he performed at his 162-game averages during those four seasons, Martinez would have finished with a won-loss record of 268-191 and a 3.50 earned-run average. His actual career won-loss record is 245-193 with a 3.70 earned-run average.
Martinez served as pitching coach for the GCL Cardinals in 2007. He will have the same role with the Palm Beach Cardinals in 2008.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1976 Pitcher of the Year International League Rochester Red Wings
- 4-time All-Star (1990-1992 & 1995)
- NL ERA Leader (1991)
- AL Wins Leader (1981)
- AL Innings Pitched Leader (1979)
- 2-time League Complete Games Leader (1979/AL & 1991/NL)
- NL Shutouts Leader (1991)
- 15 Wins Seasons: 7 (1978, 1979, 1982, 1988, 1989, 1992 & 1993)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 9 (1978, 1979, 1982 & 1988-1993)
- Won a World Series with the Baltimore Orioles in 1983 (he did not play in the World Series)
[edit] Further Reading
- Danny Gallagher: "El Presidente's perfect game", in Remembering the Montreal Expos, Scoop Press, Toronto, ON, 2005, pp. 158-163.

