However, it was always his magic on the mound that fans will look back on fondly and remember best.
The 1999 All-Star Game will always live on in the memories of Red Sox fans, not only just because the game was at Fenway Park but also because of how Martinez took it over. He struck out five of the six batters he faced — including the likes of Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa — en route to claiming the All-Star Game MVP award.
Later that year, on September 10, Martinez was nearly flawless again, this time against the Yankees. He pitched nine innings that night, only allowing a single hit — a solo home run by Chili Davis — while striking out 17 batters in Yankee Stadium.
In the playoffs, however, Pedro elevated his game to another level. An injured Martinez came out of the bullpen and threw six no-hit innings in Game 5 of the ALDS to help the Sox advance. In the next round, Martinez outdid himself once again, striking out 12 Yankees while leading the Sox to their lone win in the ALCS.
The next year held plenty of great moments for Pedro, too, with an epic complete-game shutout victory over Roger Clemens and the Yankees. Later, he nearly threw a no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after hitting Gerald Williams to start the game and spark a bench-clearing brawl.
Of all the Pedro performances on the mound, which one was the best?
Which performance was the best of Pedro Martinez’s Red Sox career?
