Sandy Martinez, a catcher from the Dominican Republic, embarked on his Major League Baseball journey with the Toronto Blue Jays. His debut came on June 24, 1995, marking the beginning of a career that would see him don several uniforms across the league. Known for his defensive skills behind the plate, Martinez provided teams with a reliable option in the catcher position.
After his stint with the Blue Jays, Martinez found himself traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1997. It was with the Cubs that he became part of a memorable moment in baseball history. On May 6, 1998, he was the catcher when Kerry Wood struck out 20 Houston Astros batters, tying the MLB record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game. This game is often remembered as one of the most dominant pitching performances in the history of the sport, and Martinez's role as the catcher was crucial in guiding Wood through that historic outing.
Martinez's career continued with several other teams, including the Florida Marlins, Montreal Expos, Cleveland Indians, and Boston Red Sox. His time with these teams was characterized by his steady presence as a backup catcher, providing depth and experience to the rosters. While his offensive numbers were modest, his ability to handle pitching staffs and provide leadership in the clubhouse was valued by his teammates and coaches.
In 2003, Martinez joined the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, where he played a part in mentoring younger pitchers and catchers. His experience in the league was an asset to the developing team, and he contributed to the growth of the franchise during his tenure.
Sandy Martinez's career in Major League Baseball concluded after the 2004 season.
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