Edgar Martinez was born on February 1, 1963, in New York City, but spent his childhood in Puerto Rico. Growing up, Martinez had a passion for baseball and dreamed of one day playing in the major leagues.
Martinez's professional baseball career began when he was signed by the Seattle Mariners in 1982 as an amateur free agent. He made his MLB debut in 1987 and quickly established himself as a key player on the team. Known for his exceptional hitting abilities, Martinez quickly became one of the most feared designated hitters in the league.
Over the course of his 18-year career with the Mariners, Martinez set numerous records and earned a reputation as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Fans and teammates alike admired Martinez not just for his skill on the field, but also for his leadership and dedication to the team.
Throughout his career, Martinez received numerous accolades, including seven All-Star selections and five Silver Slugger Awards. In 2004, in recognition of his contributions to the game, the MLB announced that the award for Best Designated Hitter would be named in his honor.
Off the field, Martinez was a devoted family man. He and his wife Holli had three children together, and Martinez always made time for his family despite the demands of his professional baseball career.
After retiring in 2004, Martinez's impact on the game continued to be felt. In 2019, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of his era. Martinez's legacy lives on not just in his accomplishments on the field, but also in the impact he had on the Seattle Mariners franchise and the game of baseball as a whole.
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