Tippy Martinez

From BR Bullpen

Felix Anthony Martinez

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 5' 10", Weight 180 lb.
School Colorado State University
Debut August 9, 1974
Final Game April 18, 1988
Born May 31, 1950 in La Junta, CO USA

[edit] Biographical Information

On August 24, 1983, pitcher Tippy Martinez entered a game with a runner on first and his team, the Baltimore Orioles, trailing 4-3 in the top of the 10th. The Orioles had used a series of pinch hitters to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth and were stuck with outfielders John Lowenstein and Gary Roenicke playing 2nd and 3rd base respectively and with infielder Lenn Sakata behind the plate.

Upon entering the game, Martinez immediately picked off Barry Bonnell, then walked Dave Collins, picked him off of first, gave up a single to Willie Upshaw and picked him off as well.

The Orioles went on to win the game 7-4 in the bottom of the 10th on Sakata's home run.

In 1989, Martinez played for the Bradenton Explorers of the Senior Professional Baseball Association and went 2-3 with a 4.30 ERA for the club. In 1990, he played for the Daytona Beach Explorers, also of the SPBA. He was 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA when the league folded.

He was the first major league player to come out of Colorado State University.