Former Boston Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez is returning to Boston. The three-time Cy Young Award winner who spent seven seasons with the ball club beginning in 1998 isn’t returning as a player but as a special assistant to general manager Ben Cherington. The news of Pedro’s return was confirmed Thursday by Boston.com after the team made the announcement.
During Pedro’s playing time with the Red Sox, the club saw much success including a World Series title in 2004 which was the first championship since 1918. It was indeed a memorable ride for Sox fans and Martinez who expressed his excitement in returning to a city he will once again call home.
“I am thrilled to be returning to this organization and to the city I love. Ben Cherington’s meetings this week have been outstanding. It is an honor to be back with the Red Sox and help in any way I can. I am grateful to our leaders; I believe in them, and I thank them for allowing me to return to the field and help us win again. My heart will always live in Boston.”
Martinez will now join former Red Sox captain and catcher Jason Varitek who also serves in a similar role. Cherington is hopeful that Martinez will bring valuable pitching experience and leadership to the pitching staff and play a role in scouting and development.
In his seven seasons with the Sox, Martinez recorded a 17-37 record with a 2.52 ERA. Very dominant at times, Pedro tops the club records with an average of 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings and a .206 opponent batting average.
Ben Cherington hopes this is another piece in helping return the team to contending status and creating a positive atmosphere around Fenway.
“We are very excited to have Pedro onboard with us and back in the Red Sox organization. He was one of the game’s most dominant pitchers and without a doubt a beloved figure in Red Sox history.”
Pedro expressed interest in returning to his former team since December, and now that has become a reality.
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