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 first pitched for his hometown team, the Granada Sharks, as a skinny teenager. In the 1973 Amateur World Series (FEMBA), he helped Nicaragua win a silver medal. He lost the finale 1-0 to Rich Wortham and Team USA. Martinez then signed together with Tony Chevez for the Baltimore Orioles. The scouts were Julio Blanco Herrera and Ray Poitevint.
Martinez overcame alcoholism in the mid-1980s to rejuvenate his career with the Montreal Expos, for whom he pitched a perfect game on July 28, 1991, a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. 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.
There are three Hall of Famers on the list of the ten most similar players to Martinez.
[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.
