Pedro Martinez Honored With Memorable Ceremony At Fenway Park (Photos)

BOSTON — Pedro Martinez’s place in Boston Red Sox history is secure.

The Red Sox retired Martinez’s No. 45 during a special ceremony Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Martinez was a Boston legend long before his number went up on the right-field facade at America’s Most Beloved Ballpark, but the honor solidifies the Hall of Fame pitcher as an all-time great.

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David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Carl Yastrzemski, Carlton Fisk and others joined Martinez on the field as the Fenway Faithful expressed their admiration for No. 45. Martinez received several gifts and delivered a speech that blended his usual hilarity with heartwarming reflection.

Martinez’s No. 45 is the ninth number retired by the franchise. It’s the first for a pitcher. Martinez’s stretch of dominance with Boston from 1998 through 2004 was unlike any other in the modern era.

There never will be another Pedro. His number retirement ceremony reminded everyone of that.