Curt Schilling: Pedro Martinez’s Run ‘Head And Shoulders’ Above Rest

Curt Schilling’s amazement speaks volumes about Pedro Martinez’s illustrious career.

Martinez, who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, had a remarkable 18-year run that was highlighted by one of the most dominant stretches in Major League Baseball history. Schilling, who pitched alongside Martinez for the 2004 Boston Red Sox, couldn’t help but marvel at the success. And that’s saying something considering Schilling also boasts credentials that many deem worthy of Cooperstown.

“For a period of time, he was the best pitcher that ever lived,” Schilling said Friday on WEEI’s “Dennis and Callahan” of Martinez. “His run, I think, is head and shoulders above everybody else.

“I made sure if we weren’t on the bench or had a game, I was watching him pitch,” Schilling added. “He was the only guy I ever made sure I watched because the stuff that he did I don’t think you’ll ever see again.”

Martinez won three Cy Young awards and earned eight All-Star selections. He led the league in ERA five times, including four times with the Red Sox between 1999 and 2003.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist — or even a former major league ace — to know how good Martinez was in his prime. But the glowing testimonials of Martinez’s peers hammer home the point.