Pedro Martinez Sheds Light On Highest, Lowest Points Of Red Sox Career

BOSTON — Pedro Martinez’s Red Sox career was a two-way street.

Not only did Martinez leave his mark on Boston during his seven seasons with the organization. The city also left an impression on Pedro, which the former pitcher shed light on Tuesday after being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

“I just know I’m part of baseball,” an energetic Martinez said Tuesday at Fenway Park. “I’m part of the whole thing. I’m part of the tradition here in Boston. I’m part of the fans. I’m part of everything in baseball. And I just want to live that and enjoy the moment with everyone that can probably appreciate what I did.”

Martinez was one of four players elected to the Hall of Fame as part of this year’s class — the largest in 60 years. He’s joined by Randy Johnson, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio, all of whom Martinez praised Tuesday while discussing his own upcoming enshrinement.

Martinez’s 18-year career featured eight All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards, three ERA crowns and one World Series title. Yet when asked to reflect on the highest point of his illustrious career, particularly with the Red Sox, the pride of the Dominican Republic had a hard time singling out one specific moment.

“My highest point here was every game I got,” Martinez said. “I took it with the same intensity. I took it with the same pride every day and enjoyed it. … Every time I pitched a game in Fenway Park, it was sold out. I was probably one unique person who could say I played with the Red Sox and every single game (at Fenway Park) was sold out.

“Moments that I can say I’m relieved for Boston?” Martinez continued. “Handing out the (World Series) trophy in 2004. The ’99 All-Star Game having Ted Williams take me into the suite and personalize a program for me and tell me the things he said to me. I could say now I’m relieved, and Boston is as much a part of the whole thing to me like I am to them. This goes to them, too. And every moment I could share with Boston was special.”

Martinez left the Red Sox following their 2004 World Series victory and signed with the New York Mets as a free agent. The decision sent shock waves through the organization, but neither side harbors any ill will. In fact, the relationship between Martinez and Boston is as strong as ever, even if his departure represents a low point in the hurler’s career.

“My lowest point was probably having to leave Boston, having to go away from Boston, because (of) probably a lack of communication. Not because of lack of love or interest from either side,” Martinez said. “Just a lack of communication, which could happen sometimes. Misjudging, maybe. But that’s over with. This is the moment where Boston can be proud. I’m proud. I feel like I belong here, too. I have a lot of love for everything Boston and a lot of respect.”

Martinez will head to Cooperstown this summer to officially be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He’ll presumably wear a Red Sox cap on his Hall plaque, as Boston was where the true magic took place.