Martinez inducted into Mariners’ Hall of Fame

  • Associated Press
  • Saturday, June 2, 2007 9:00pm
  • Sports

SEATTLE – A chuckle rolled through the crowd of around 35,000 fans who were already in their seats 30 minutes before the first pitch at Safeco Field.

There, on the big screen, was Edgar Martinez, circa 1989, looking young and dapper with a proud and thick mustache.

“At the time, it was cool,” Martinez said. “I’m glad I don’t have it now.”

Many may not remember Martinez when he had his facial hair. But it’s hard to forget what he did to help save baseball in the Pacific Northwest.

Three years after his retirement, Martinez became the fourth inductee into the Seattle Mariners’ Hall of Fame on Saturday night.

With Safeco Field more three-quarters full to see the ceremony – many wearing his No. 11 jersey – Martinez joined first baseman Alvin Davis, right fielder Jay Buhner and broadcaster Dave Niehaus in the elite group. He was given numerous lengthy standing ovations, a far more positive reception than Mariners’ GM Bill Bavasi, who was given a hearty chorus of boos.

“You really made me feel at home away from home,” Martinez, who is from Puerto Rico, told the crowd. “I can’t think of a better place on earth to have played my 18 years.”

His longevity and productivity long ago cemented his legacy in a Mariners’ uniform. But it was one hit, in the 1995 playoffs, that guaranteed Martinez a place in Seattle sports lore.

It’s simply called “The Double” in Seattle: an 11th inning liner down the left-field line in Game 5 of the American League divisional series against the New York Yankees that sent the city to its first AL championship series.

That likely saved the Mariners from moving, because it led to special legislation that fall creating Safeco Field to replace the despised old Kingdome.

“Not only did tonight’s inductee deliver the biggest hit in Mariners history, but he set the standard for all the other players that wear the Mariners uniform,” Mariners’ CEO Howard Lincoln said.

Martinez remains the Mariners’ career leader in games played (2,055), at-bats (7,213), hits (2,247), runs (1,219), RBI (1,261), doubles (514) and walks (1,283). That went with seven All-Star teams in 18 seasons and a career batting average of .312. He was so respected that the American League named its annual award for the best designated hitter after him.

Martinez twice led the AL in batting, including when he hit .356 in 1995. He also led the AL with 52 doubles and a .479 on-base percentage that year, both career highs, while usually hitting behind Ken Griffey Jr.

Martinez, who was born in New York and raised in Dorado, Puerto Rico, is so beloved in Seattle that a thoroughfare outside Safeco Field is named Edgar Martinez Way.

“It was a pleasure watching him prepare for games,” said Mariners’ bench coach John McLaren, who was Seattle’s bench coach for six of Martinez’s 18 seasons. “The opposing teams in the dugout watching him hit – after he hit they’d go in. That’s what kind of respect he had around the game.”

The next debate looming for Martinez is Cooperstown. Martinez spent most of his final 10 seasons as a full-time designated hitter, but views the debate about whether DHs belong in the Hall of Fame similarly to relief pitchers.

“I think DH has proven that performance in a DH can lead to a championship also. I think it’s worthy of it,” Martinez said.

McLaren thinks it’s a no-brainer.

“The recognition will be there one day, because it should be,” he said. “He is the greatest designated hitter of all time.”

Talk to us

More in Sports

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter Monday. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Grading the Seahawks in their 24-3 victory over the Giants

Seattle’s defense shows up big as the Seahawks head into their bye on a three-game winning streak.

Monroe junior receiver Aaron Clifton checks for defenders while taking a long reception to the house against Mountlake Terrace on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Monroe High School in Monroe, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep football power rankings after Week 5

Here are our top 8 local teams after all the action from Thursday and Friday.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Sept. 25-30

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Sept. 25-30. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips name leadership group, but no captain yet

Everett lists Ty Gibson, Kaden Hammell, Ben Hemmerling and Austin Roest as alternate captains, but will wait to assign the “C”.

Fall prep sports roundup.
Prep roundup for Monday, Oct. 2

Prep roundup for Monday, Oct. 2: (Not for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Monroe’s Mason Davis (1) celebrates with Trent Bublitz (11) after Bublitz’s touchdown reception against Edmonds-Woodway on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at Edmonds School District Stadium in Edmonds, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Reader poll: Make your picks for Week 6 prep football games

Do you think you can beat the experts in our weekly high… Continue reading

X
Who’s that frog? A local high school tennis player, that’s who

Arlington tennis player Robbie Balderas worked as AquaSox mascot Webbly this season, and the busy junior also runs a landscaping business.

Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones is pulled to the ground by a diving Nicholas Mouser of Monroe on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Monroe High School in Monroe, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Swarming Monroe defense keys win over Terrace in Wesco 3A South showdown

The Bearcats slow down the Hawks’ potent ground game, and quarterback Blake Springer tosses three TDs in a 35-10 victory.

Arlington players lift the Stilly Cup in the air after beating Stanwood on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 in Stanwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Arlington reclaims Stilly Cup after short hiatus, routs Stanwood 42-7

Leyton Martin registers 277 yards, 4 TDs as Eagles notch fifth straight game with at least six TDs.

Most Read