Monday, June 22 2015 6:15 PM EDT2015-06-22 22:15:42 GMT
The Red Sox today announced plans to retire Pedro Martinez's number 45 as a tribute to his exceptional career in a Red Sox uniform and in honor of his upcoming induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame
The Red Sox today announced plans to retire Pedro Martinez's number 45 as a tribute to his exceptional career in a Red Sox uniform and in honor of his upcoming induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame
BOSTON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Hall of Fame electee Pedro Martinez will be honored by the Red Sox this summer when they retire his number 45 jersey.
The ceremony will be held at Fenway Park on July 28, two days after the right handed pitcher is officially entered in to Cooperstown.
"To be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame upon his first year of eligibility speaks volumes regarding Pedro's outstanding career, and is a testament to the respect and admiration so many in baseball have for him,” Red Sox Principal Owner John W. Henry said.
Pedro's number 45 will be the ninth to go up on the right field facade at Fenway.
“Baseball fans admire Pedro for more than his remarkable career accomplishments. His dynamic personality, love for the game, his fearlessness coupled with humility, his passionate, competitive spirit, and his ability to squeeze every ounce of talent out of a small frame were reasons so many fans connected with him,” Henry said.
A three-time Cy Young Award winner and eight-time All-Star, the electric Martinez spent seven seasons with the Red Sox beginning in 1998 and was a key part of the 2004 team that brought a World Series title to Boston for the first time since 1918.