Legends Martinez, Tiant report to camp
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Two of the greatest pitchers to ever wear the uniform reported to the Fort bright and early Monday morning.
The arrival of Luis Tiant and Pedro Martinez was an especially heartwarming sight after the coronavirus pandemic precluded the usual presence of franchise legends. It’s a group that typically includes Jim Rice, Carl Yastrzemski, Dwight Evans, Tommy Harper, Tim Wakefield, and David Ortiz.
Quite a collective fount of Red Sox knowledge.
Pedro, a man so famous he only need go by one name, is one of 11 pitchers in MLB history to win three or more Cy Young Awards. He was also an eight-time All-star, five-time ERA title-holder, Triple Crown winner, and 2004 World Series champion.
Tiant should be in the Hall of Fame. The now-82year-old had an impressive 19-year career that included three All-star seasons and two ERA titles. He’s also one of the only players who managed to wear both Red Sox and Yankee uniforms in his career and remain beloved in Boston. That alone should put him in Cooperstown.
Having these Red Sox stars at spring training isn’t for show. They bring unique, invaluable experience and insight to the table. Players hungry for a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, Cy Young, and/or World Series have the opportunity to learn from someone who already accomplished what they’re striving to achieve.
Spring training starters:
The first spring training game is Friday, the annual exhibition game against Northeastern University, but don’t expect any starting pitchers until early next week.
On Monday, Alex Cora said the first major league starter is likely to pitch on the same day each week, and named Corey Kluber as the probable pitcher. After warming up as Pedro Martinez looked on, Kluber became the first starter to throw live batting practice on Monday, facing Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida.
Throwing again: After taking a few days off, Brayan Bello threw on Monday, just as Cora said he would. Under the watchful eye of Pedro, the young pitcher who’s become something of a protege, worked on flat ground.
“Everything was fine,” Cora said.