Edgar Martinez

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Martínez grew up in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Not highly regarded as a prospect, he signed with the Mariners as a free agent in 1982, and was given a small signing bonus. He made his major league debut in 1987 but did not establish himself as a full-time player until 1990, at age 27. In the 1995 American League Division Series, he hit "The Double", which won the series and increased public support for Mariners baseball as they attempted to fund a new stadium. He continued to play until 2004, when injuries forced him to retire. MLB's award for the best designated hitter was renamed the Edgar Martínez Award in 2004 before his retirement.

In Their Own Story

Martínez's journey began far from the major leagues. Born in New York City, he was raised by his grandparents in the barrio of Maguayo in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Inspired by Roberto Clemente after watching him play in the 1971 World Series, Edgar started playing youth baseball at age 11 alongside his cousin Carmelo, though scouts initially focused only on Carmelo. He attended Interamerican University of Puerto Rico while working two jobs: a supervisor at a furniture store by day and in a General Electric factory at night. In December 1982, exhausted from work, he almost missed a Mariners tryout but attended anyway. Despite the general manager's initial doubt about his ability to hit at the major league level, Martínez signed for just $4,000. He struggled early with English and batting averages in the minors until he found his footing, eventually making his MLB debut on September 12, 1987.

Reader's Guide

Martínez was a seven-time MLB All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion. He is one of 15 MLB players to record a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .400, and a slugging percentage of .500 in 8,500 or more plate appearances. The Mariners retired his uniform number 11 and inducted him into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame. In 2019, Martínez was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Did You Know?

• Martínez was born in New York City on January 2, 1963, to José and Christina Salgado Martínez, who were from Puerto Rico.
• He was raised by his grandparents in the barrio of Maguayo in Dorado, Puerto Rico, after his parents divorced when he was two.
• He signed with the Mariners for a $4,000 signing bonus on December 12, 1982.
• He won his first batting title in 1992 with a .343 average, the first for Seattle.
• In 1995, he set career highs and led the league in batting average (.356), runs (121), doubles (52), OBP (.479), and OPS (1.109).

From Obscurity to Icon: The Unlikely Rise

Martínez was born in New York City but raised by his grandparents in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Inspired by Roberto Clemente, he began playing youth baseball at age 11. Scouts focused on his cousin Carmelo, overlooking Edgar. He attended Interamerican University of Puerto Rico while working two jobs and playing semi-professional baseball. In December 1982, he signed with the Mariners for a $4,000 bonus after attending a tryout while exhausted from work. He made his professional debut in 1983 as a third baseman but struggled initially. After being assigned to the Arizona Instructional League where he batted .340, he improved significantly, batting .353 for Calgary in 1987.

The Designated Hitter Who Redefined the Role

Martínez made his MLB debut on September 12, 1987, but did not become a full-time player until 1990 at age 27. He won his first batting title in 1992 with a .343 average and became a seven-time All-Star. Injuries limited him in 1993 and 1994, leading to his transition to a full-time designated hitter role in 1995. That year, he won his second batting title (.356) and the first Outstanding Designated Hitter Award. He is one of 15 MLB players with a .300 average, .400 on-base percentage, and .500 slugging percentage over 8,500 or more plate appearances. In 2004, before his retirement, MLB renamed the award for the best designated hitter the Edgar Martínez Award.

The Double and the Fight for Safeco Field

In the 1995 American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, Martínez hit a two-run double in the 11th inning of Game 5 to win the series 3-2. This hit, known as "The Double," sent the Mariners to their first American League Championship Series and helped build public support for funding a new stadium in Seattle. He finished third in AL MVP voting that year and won his second Silver Slugger Award.

A Lifelong Commitment to Seattle

Martínez retired in 2004 due to injuries. He served as the Mariners' hitting coach from 2015 to 2018, then worked as a hitting advisor from 2019 through 2024. In August 2024, he returned to the position of hitting coach and currently serves as the senior director of hitting strategy for the Seattle Mariners.