Edgar Martinez

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

In the 1995 American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, Martínez delivered a moment that cemented his legacy. In Game 5, down 5–4 in the 11th inning, he hit a two-run double off Jack McDowell to win the game 6–5 and the series 3–2. This shot, known simply as "The Double," sent the Mariners to their first American League Championship Series. Martínez reflected on this moment later, stating, "A lot of people remember that double when they talk about my career... yeah, that would define my career." The victory generated immense public support in Seattle, fueling the drive to fund a new stadium for the franchise. Throughout his tenure, he was recognized as one of 15 MLB players to achieve the elite .300/.400/.500 slash line over a massive sample size, proving that a designated hitter could be a cornerstone of baseball history.

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

Fans looking to understand Martínez's impact should focus on his transition from a struggling third baseman to the league's premier designated hitter. After being named the starting third baseman for Opening Day in 1989, he struggled and was sent down before returning to hit .345 in the minors that same year. His true breakthrough came in 1990 when he took over as a full-time player at age 27 following Darnell Coles's struggles. By 1992, he won his first batting title with a .343 average, setting franchise records for doubles and single-season batting average. Injuries hampered his 1993 and 1994 seasons, but 1995 marked his career year as a full-time DH. He led the league in runs (121), doubles (52), OBP (.479), and OPS (1.109). Even after retiring in 2004 due to injuries, he remained with the organization, serving as hitting coach from 2015–2018, then as an advisor through 2024, before returning to the coaching staff in August 2024.

Did You Know?

• Martínez signed with the Mariners for a $4,000 bonus in 1982 after nearly missing his tryout because he was too tired from working at a General Electric factory.
• He attended Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and worked two jobs simultaneously before turning professional.
• In Game 4 of the 1995 ALDS against the Yankees, Martínez hit a three-run home run and a two-run double in the same game.
• The award for the best designated hitter was originally called the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award and was renamed the Edgar Martínez Award in 2004, his final season.
• He is one of only 15 players in MLB history to record a .300/.400/.500 slash line with at least 8,500 plate appearances.

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.