Loading ...Former New York Yankee Tino Martinez was inducted February 3rd into the Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida.
The Tampa native and four-time World Series champion joined another ex-Yankee Cecil Fielder, former Baltimore Orioles pitcher and front office executive the late Mike Flanagan, Tampa Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson and manager Joe Maddon.
The on the field banquet benefited the Ted Williams Museum and the Rays pitcher David Price's Project 14 Foundation.
Martinez played six seasons with the Yankees and hit .271 with 339 home runs and 1,271 RBIs and won four World Series in 1996 and 1998-2000.
"As a kid, you want to get to the Major Leagues," Martinez told MLB.com. "Then, you want to establish yourself. Then, you want to win. You hope to get to the World Series. To play in five and win four that's something you never dream about."
Martinez had the unenviable job of replacing an all-time Yankee favorite in Don Mattingly and struggled in his first year as a Yankee and in some early post season games. Tino eventually won over the fans with his excellent defensive and clutch offensive play. Martinez now is one of the all-time fan favorites.
Martinez currently works as a special assistant to general manager Brian Cashman.
Fielder not only played with the Yankees, but also the Toronto Blue Jays, Anaheim Angels and the bulk of his career as a Detroit Tiger. Fielder won American League RBI titles in three back-to-back seasons from 1990-1992. Cecil also led the American League in home runs in 1990 and '91.
Previous hitters that have been inducted included Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.
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