Martinez began his professional career when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1988. He made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1992. Despite his talent, the Dodgers traded him to the Montreal Expos in 1993, a move that would prove beneficial for Martinez's career. With the Expos, he developed into a dominant pitcher, earning his first All-Star selection in 1996. That same year, he won the National League Cy Young Award, becoming the first player from the Expos to receive the honor.
In 1997, Martinez was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he reached the peak of his career. His tenure with the Red Sox was marked by extraordinary performances and numerous accolades. From 1998 to 2004, Martinez was a force on the mound, winning two more Cy Young Awards in 1999 and 2000. His 1999 season is often regarded as one of the greatest in baseball history, as he posted a 23-4 record with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts. During the 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park, Martinez struck out five of the six batters he faced, earning the All-Star Game MVP award.
Martinez's time with the Red Sox culminated in the 2004 season when he helped lead the team to its first World Series title in 86 years. His performance in the postseason was instrumental, particularly in the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, where the Red Sox made a historic comeback from a 3-0 series deficit.
After the 2004 season, Martinez signed with the New York Mets. He continued to perform well, earning an All-Star selection in 2005. However, injuries began to take a toll on his career. Despite this, he remained a valuable player for the Mets, contributing to their success in reaching the 2006 National League Championship Series.
In 2009, Martinez signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he made a brief but impactful return to the mound. He helped the Phillies reach the World Series, although they ultimately fell to the New York Yankees. Following the 2009 season, Martinez did not sign with another team, effectively ending his playing career.
Throughout his career, Martinez was known for his exceptional pitching skills, including a devastating fastball, a sharp curveball, and a changeup that baffled hitters. His ability to dominate games, combined with his charismatic personality, made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the baseball community.
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