Edgar Martinez. (1988). $46

1988 Leaf #645 – Value: $46.00 – Grade: 9

Could Not Be Stopped (Hall of Fame Highlights): https://youtu.be/pNUB1Hr8_4k

Edgar Martínez (born in New York City on January 2, 1963), nicknamed “Gar” and “Papi”, is an American former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a designated hitter and third baseman for the Seattle Mariners from 1987 through 2004. He served as the Mariners’ hitting coach from 2015 through 2018. 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. Martínez was a seven-time MLB All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion. He is one of 18 MLB players to record a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .400, and a slugging percentageof .500 in 5,000 or more plate appearances. The Mariners retired his uniform number and inducted him into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame. Martínez was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Published by 1jimburton

Been married to Karen for 51 years! Father to Garrett (40) and Sarah (47). Grandfather to Ava (18) and Lila (16). Have developed the following Wordpress blogs over the past three years: All-Time Greatest Music, High Quality Baseball Cards, High Quality Basketball Cards, High Quality Football Cards, High Quality Ice Hockey Cards and USA Traveling Tips. Written one book called A World with Heart. Also, after retiring from a career in Hospital Facilities management, I have been doing K-12 substitute teaching. Also, coached U13-U16 boys and girls basketball teams for over 25 years. Last, learned to be a master at hand-carving and painting signs. The largest of which is 4’ x 6’ is a logo for Marathon Motor Works hanging over their main entrance in Nashville (it took three months to complete).

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