MLB legend Pedro Martinez talks about his relentless passion for baseball

Pedro Martinez, a former MLB pitcher and Hall of Famer, has had a long and storied career in the sport. Born in the Dominican Republic in 1971, Martinez was raised in a family of baseball players and developed a passion for the game at a young age. He began playing professionally in the Dominican Winter League as a teenager and was eventually signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988.

Martinez's professional career took off in the 1990's, when he played for the Montreal Expos and later the Boston Red Sox. He quickly established himself as one of the top pitchers in the league, known for his powerful arm, pinpoint accuracy, and fierce competitiveness.

Martinez currently works as an MLB analyst on the MLB Network. In a recent interview, he opened up about the impact the sport has had on him and posted it on Twitter. He wrote:

"Baseball to me has always been more than just a sport, it's been a way of life! It was the way I spent time with my family and we would laugh, have fun and argue all centered around baseball. So when you see me talk about baseball it’s not a job, but it's a passion for the game!"

Pedro Martinez

@45PedroMartinez

Baseball to me has always been more than a sport, it's been a way of life! It was the way I spent time with my family and we would laugh, have fun and argue all centered around baseball. So when you see me talk about baseball it’s not a job, but it's a passion for the game!

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Baseball to me has always been more than a sport, it's been a way of life! It was the way I spent time with my family and we would laugh, have fun and argue 😂 all centered around baseball. So when you see me talk about baseball it’s not a job, but it's a passion for the game! https://t.co/blU5PqV5TR

In the video which accompanies his Twitter post, Pedro Martinez speaks about his relationship with the sport since his childhood days:

"Baseball was our pastime. For me, every moment I had free from school, work, or assignments I had with my family, it was to play baseball. Our family members, my dad, my uncles, they were good amateur baseball players.

"For us, the tools like a small bat made from wood or a stick cut from a broom. At the same time, we sewed our old socks and made our own baseballs."

What legacy has Pedro Martinez left behind for future generations?

In 1999, Pedro Martinez had one of the best seasons of his career, finishing the year with a 23-4 record, a 2.07 ERA, and 313 strikeouts. He was named the American League (AL) Cy Young award winner that year, and would go on to win the award two more times.

However, his achievements on the field aren't all he is remembered for. Off the field, the former Red Sox and New York Mets pitcher was known for his generous spirit and commitment to his community.

Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous charitable organizations and also founded the Pedro Martinez and Brothers Foundation. He was also a vocal advocate for the rights of Dominican players in the MLB, and worked to improve conditions in the Dominican Winter League.

After a successful 19-year career in the MLB, where he ended with the Philadelphia Phillies, Martinez was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2015, earning a spot alongside some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Despite his many accomplishments, however, Martinez never lost his love for the game and clearly never will.

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