Edgar Martinez

Edgar Martinez transitioned from a highly respected slugger to a Hall of Fame designated hitter and is now recognized as a hitting strategy coach. After establishing himself as a full-time Major League Baseball player in 1990, Edgar Martinez achieved a significant breakthrough in 1992, earning his first American League batting title with a .343 average. That same year, he led the AL in doubles with 46, was selected for his first All-Star Game, and received his first Silver Slugger Award. Martinez initially signed with the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent on December 12, 1982, after a seven-season minor league journey before his MLB debut on September 12, 1987.

Martinez’s career soared in 1995 when he transitioned to a full-time Designated Hitter. He dominated the American League, leading in batting average (.356), runs scored (121), doubles (52), and on-base percentage (.479). This pivotal season culminated in his iconic two-run double in Game 5 of the 1995 American League Division Series (‘The Double’), securing a series win for the Mariners. He also earned his second Silver Slugger, first Outstanding Designated Hitter, and second All-Star in 1995.

His legacy was further cemented with induction into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame (2003), the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame (2007), and the retirement of his uniform number 11 by the Mariners (2017). In 2019, he was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Post-playing, he has remained actively involved as a hitting coach and advisor for the Seattle Mariners, roles he held from 2015-2018 and again in 2024.