Editor’s note: Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912. NESN.com will be celebrating Fenway’s 100-year anniversary with unique content from now until April 20, 2012.
Pedro Martinez' success in his first season with the Red Sox in 1998 was just an appetizer for the Fenway faithful. In 1999, the eight-time All-Star served up his main course — one of the all-time great seasons for a pitcher.
Martinez finished first in the AL in strikeouts (313), ERA (2.07), record (23-4) and Cy Young voting, blazing the trail for the Sox as they rectified their loss to the Cleveland Indians in the '98 AL Divisional Series by beating the Tribe in five games — after being down two games in the series — to advance to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 1990.
Martinez pitched six shutout innings of relief in the decisive Game 5 against the Indians.
The Cy Young winner then helped the Sox to their only win in the ALCS against the rival New York Yankees, striking out 12 in seven scoreless innings to outduel former Sox star Roger Clemens.
While the Sox came up short of a World Series berth, they celebrated a special moment in July when they hosted the All-Star Game and Ted Williams made his final appearance at Fenway Park. The Boston legend tossed out the first pitch to a chorus of cheers from fans and current All-Stars alike.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
