Pedro Martínez: Cooperstown Garden Tribute Engages Fans
Pedro Martínez, the renowned Hall of Fame pitcher, has found tranquility in gardening after an illustrious baseball career. Known for his fiery temperament on the mound, including an infamous altercation with Yankees’ coach Don Zimmer, Martínez now tends to vibrant gardens at his homes in Miami, Georgia, and the Dominican Republic.
Gardening as a Therapeutic Hobby
The retired Boston Red Sox ace, now 53, describes his gardens as “three babies” he meticulously nurtures. He compares his gardening passion to the care of a young daughter, striving to maintain their beauty and harmony. This hobby offers him a peaceful escape and personal space.
Since retiring in 2011, Martínez transitioned from the baseball field to being a studio analyst for TNT Sports. Gone are the days of bench-clearing brawls and taunts from Yankees fans. Today, his focus lies in cultivating roses, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, and tending to his chickens and geese. “Gardening was my relaxation before each game during my 18 years in Major League Baseball,” Martínez recalls.
Rooted in Early Life
The three-time Cy Young Award winner attributes his passion to his mother, who introduced him to gardening during his childhood in Manoguayabo, near Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Gardening became his form of meditation amidst the pressures of pitching, a practice he continues to cherish.
Martínez, a World Series champion, now finds satisfaction in sharing his insightful opinions through his analyst role. Recently, he secured a multi-year contract extension with TNT Sports, allowing him to “share my experiences” and “express myself” effectively.
Life Lessons Beyond Baseball
Reflecting on past errors, like the 2003 incident with Zimmer, Martínez now advises players to be compassionate, emphasizing, “Sometimes we don’t really know the human being inside us.” His career included a stint with the New York Mets from 2005 to 2008, where he once cultivated a lush garden at his Tudor-style home in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Although he envisioned the Connecticut home as a winter retreat post-retirement, Martínez decided against returning to New York. However, he warmly acknowledges the city’s embrace, stating, “I found much affection in New York after retiring.” Despite his rivalry with the Yankees, he appreciated the support from its fans later on.
Building New Memories
Recently, he celebrated the Toronto Blue Jays’ 5-2 postseason victory over the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Notably, Martínez’s godson, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., played a key role in the victory. With ties to Guerrero’s father from their Montreal Expos days, Martínez simply exclaims, “Seeing the Yankees lose brings me joy, yet I savor being outdoors, immersed in nature.”
