Red Sox to retire No. 45 in honor of Pedro Martinez
Pedro Martinez will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26. He’ll be honored by the Red Sox two days later.
The Red Sox will retire No. 45 in honor of their former star pitcher during a ceremony on Tuesday, July 28, before a game vs. the Chicago White Sox. Martinez’s number will join Bobby Doerr’s No. 1, Joe Cronin’s No. 4, Johnny Pesky’s No. 6, Carl Yastrzemski’s No. 8, Ted Williams’s No. 9, Jim Rice’s No. 14, Carlton Fisk’s No. 27, and Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 on the right field facade at Fenway Park.
“To be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame upon his first year of eligibility speaks volumes regarding Pedro’s outstanding career, and is a testament to the respect and admiration so many in baseball have for him,’’ Red Sox principal owner John W. Henry said in a statement.
In 18 seasons, Martinez established himself as one of the best starting pitchers of all-time. His .687 winning percentage ranks second among all major leaguers since 1900. In seven seasons with the Red Sox, Martinez went 117-37, with a 2.52 ERA. He holds the club records for strikeouts per nine innings (11.0) and opponent batting average (.206).
The now 43-year-old Martinez is a special assistant to Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington.
Forgotten Red Sox All-Stars
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