Pedro Martinez: Focus shifts to foundation, Hall of Fame call

One day, Pedro Martinez could join countryman Juan Marichal in Cooperstown and become the second Dominican-born player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. But in the meantime, the retired pitcher said he is concentrating on his foundation and serving as an ambassador of goodwill.

“I am getting excited, and I hope that nothing goes wrong with the [Hall of Fame] voters and they appreciate what I have done in the big leagues,” said Martinez, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Monday night’s Caribbean Series game between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. “Hopefully, I will be there on the first ballot or however.”

...In December, Martinez said he is going to announce his retirement with parties in Boston and the Dominican Republic. What’s certain is that he finished his career with a 219-100 record, a 2.93 ERA, 3,154 strikeouts, eight All-Star selections and a .687 winning percentage, which is second among pitchers with at least 300 games since 1919.

Thanks to CharlieB.