Seattle Mariners Legend Edgar Martinez Elected to Hall of Fame
Mariners Fans, it’s over. Bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, full count, down by 3…and, like his playing style, he has pulled through in the clutch. Get out the rye bread and mustard, it’s [metaphorical] Grand Salami time! Edgar gets the win; Mariners fans, former teammates and others waiting for this announcement, get the win.
After 10 grueling years, Edgar Martinez has now been elected into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. He will now join his longtime teammate and friend Ken Griffey, Jr. in Cooperstown as a member of the Seattle Mariners.
He is also joining former longtime Mariner teammate, Randy Johnson, who decided to be entered as a Diamondback (however the HOF recognizes the Mariners as his primary team). Martinez was finally able to get in with an overall election percentage of 85.4%. This year’s class includes Mariano Rivera, Roy Halladay, and Mike Mussina. Mariano was unanimous, a first in MLB history.
Edgar, a seven-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion made his Major League debut with the Mariners in 1987 and played in a final game in 2004. Edgar has a lifetime average of .312, walked more than struck out, and was clutch when the team needed him the most.
The Mariners Hall of Fame Designated Hitter was the last remaining player with an award namesake to be entered into the Hall of Fame. He is still active with the Seattle Mariners as he was the hitting coach last season which players like Dee Gordon have praised the way he approaches the game from a hitter’s perspective.
In the Spring of 2019, he is taking on a new role as the organizational hitting adviser. He will work with hitters at all levels within the Mariners organization– a role that makes it easier on his family life.
Congratulations, Edgar, in this personal and professional milestone. We have been cheering for you since the 1980s and now you (and we) can finally relax. Baseball’s Mount Everest has been conquered for you, Gar. We can’t wait for July in Cooperstown!