Victor Martinez Calls Time in Boston the ‘Best Time I’ve Had in My Career’

Victor Martinez misplaced his son, Victor Jose, for about five or 10 minutes Wednesday afternoon at Fenway Park.

No worries. Victor Jose practically owns the place, a byproduct of what was a pretty remarkable year-and-a-half in a Red Sox uniform for Martinez, who returned as a member of the Detroit Tigers able to reflect on the impact he had on the Boston organization, and vice versa.

"Definitely, by far, it's the best time I've had in my career," Martinez said before stressing how much he wanted to return to the Red Sox when he became a free agent this offseason. "My wife, my kids, my family and myself, we did everything we could to come back, but that's part of the game. It is what it is. It's the business part, and we have to move on."

Martinez, and his son, made quite an impression in his year-plus in the organization. He batted .313 with 28 home runs and 120 RBIs in 183 games with the Red Sox. Detroit was the more aggressive team this offseason, signing Martinez to a four-year contract with the intent of utilizing him mostly as a designated hitter.

So far, so good. Despite spending some time on the disabled list already this year, Martinez is batting .317 with four homers and 23 RBIs in 27 games. It's no surprise to those who saw him spark the Red Sox' offense so often, even while handling the difficult duties of a catcher.

"Having the offense at that position is huge," said Boston manager Terry Francona, who has seen his catchers combine for very little production in the wake of Martinez's departure. "When he was here, he was hitting third. You got a guy that's catching and doing what he's doing offensively, that's a bonus."

What also impressed Francona is how Martinez was never an outsider, despite pushing aside the team captain upon his arrival midway through the 2009 season.

"It's one thing to come to a team and integrate yourself, but to be a leader, especially with a veteran team that's trying to win … That's one thing he really pulled off," Francona said. "Guys followed him and he had an immediate impact. That's not an easy thing to do."

Martinez said otherwise, giving credit to the warm embrace he received from the city, the fans and his teammates, which made the transition so smooth.

"I really appreciate everything from my teammates," Martinez added. "They made me feel right at home right away. It's something I will always appreciate and I let them know that they were a big part of it. They treated me like I had played here for four or five years. Spending pretty much my whole career with the Indians, I didn't really know what to expect.

"I had a great time here in Boston, as my family did. It's just a lot of fun, especially the fans. To go out and see a full house every day. That makes you bring your 'A' game."

The Red Sox hope that 'A' game doesn't show up for two days at Fenway. They are, however, delighted to see Martinez, and his son, once again.