Red Sox Will Retire Pedro Martinez’s Number

After being elected into the Hall of Fame on his first try, Pedro Martinez will enjoy more honors when his number 45 will be retired at Fenway Park on July 28, which is just two days after his induction ceremony in Cooperstown.

Retire Pedro Martinez’s Number

Pedro Martinez was a staple of the Boston Red Sox when he played for them from 1998-2004. His seven-year stretch with the AL East team produced some of his best numbers — 117 of his 209 wins came in that uniform — and he even helped end the “curse of the Bambino,” as Boston won their first title in 86 years.

And though he spent time on four other teams — New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos — he will always be remembered as a Red Sox, especially if you grew up in a New York Yankees household. Honestly, was there a player or a haircut more hated by the Yanks and their fans?

“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 owner John Henry said in a press release.

“And baseball fans admire Pedro for more than his remarkable career accomplishments,” Henry continued. “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. For me, personally, he was one of the most incredible pitchers I’ve had the privilege of watching, and one of the reasons our ownership group arrived here in 2002. We very much look forward to honoring Pedro’s remarkable career this July.”

The famous pitcher will be the ninth athlete to have his number retired by the organization, joining Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Johnny Pesky (6), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Ted Williams (9), Jim Rice (14) Carlton Fisk (27) and Jackie Robinson (42).

Pedro Martinez won two out of his three Cy Youngs and went to six of his eight All-Star games as a member of the Boston Red Sox. He would also have his best pitching record (117-37), ERA (2.52) and strikeout total (1,683 out of 3,154) with the AL East team.