Al Martin, an American professional baseball player, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily as an outfielder. Born on November 24, 1967, in West Covina, California, Martin's journey to the major leagues began after he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 8th round of the 1985 MLB Draft. However, it was with the Pittsburgh Pirates that he would first make his mark in the major leagues.
Martin debuted with the Pirates in 1992, a team that was in the midst of a competitive era. During his time with Pittsburgh, he became known for his left-handed batting and his ability to play both left and right field. Martin's tenure with the Pirates lasted until 1999, during which he consistently contributed to the team's offensive lineup. His best season with the Pirates came in 1996 when he hit .300 with 18 home runs and 72 RBIs, showcasing his ability to combine power with a solid batting average.
In 2000, Martin was traded to the San Diego Padres, where he continued to be a reliable presence in the outfield. His time with the Padres was relatively short, as he was traded mid-season to the Seattle Mariners. With the Mariners, Martin played a role in the team's successful 2000 campaign, which saw them reach the American League Championship Series. His performance during this period was characterized by his steady batting and fielding capabilities.
Martin's career continued with the Mariners until 2001, after which he signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His stint with the Devil Rays was brief, and he was released in 2002. Later that year, Martin signed with the New York Mets, although he did not see much playing time with the team. His final appearance in the major leagues came in 2003 with the Mets.
Throughout his career, Martin was known for his consistent offensive production and his ability to adapt to different teams and roles. Over the course of his MLB career, he accumulated a batting average of .276, with 132 home runs and 485 RBIs. Martin's career was marked by his steady presence in the outfield and his ability to contribute to the teams he played for, both offensively and defensively.
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