The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Martin has big dreams
Leonys Martin still isn’t sure exactly what happened.
All the Indians center fielder knows for sure is he nearly died in August from what seemed like a routine illness and now he’s “100 percent” and ready to play baseball again.
“I want to help this team win the World Series,” Martin said Jan. 11 in the Indians’ clubhouse at Progressive Field as a prelude to Tribe Fest on Jan. 12 at the Cleveland Convention Center. “I feel 100 percent now. It took baby steps. I don’t really want to think about the emotions (of playing again for the first time).
“It was a quick turnaround in my life. It was something I will never forget. I have to move forward.”
Martin pinch-hit Aug. 7 in a 3-2 loss to the Twins just seven days after the Indians acquired him from the Tigers for shortstop prospect Willi Castro. He went home that night and when he felt ill, called the Indians’ medical staff to let them know.
No big deal, it seemed. But when he felt no better the following morning, the Indians took him to Cleveland Clinic, where tests done by doctors revealed a bacterial condition infected his bloodstream.
Indians president Chris Antonetti told reporters the infection started to damage Martin’s internal organs and the damage was widespread.
“I was prepared to write his obituary,” a veteran reporter covering the Indians admitted after Martin started to recover.
Martin was released from the hospital Aug. 19 after spending more than a week in ICU. He didn’t play baseball again last season. His health always came first for the Indians, but now that he is healthy again the Indians are thrilled to have him back. He can help stabilize an unsettled outfield with Michael Brantley now an Astro, Bradley Zimmer still recovering from shoulder surgery and Melky Cabrera and Bradley Zimmer free agents.
“I don’t think a lot of people understand the severity of what he went through,” Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger said in another corner of the clubhouse. “He almost wasn’t back doing anything. To see him back and moving around is really special. He’s happy as can be to be around, too, so that’s really good to see.”
Martin played in only six games with the Indians before falling ill. He collected five hits in 15 at-bats. He homered twice and drove in four runs.
He was hardly around long enough for his new teammates to get to know him, yet the Indians honored Martin by writing in white marker “LM13” on the side of their caps.
As Martin recovered and watched Indians games from his hospital bed, he said he was moved by the tribute.
“That was really emotional for me,” Martin said. “I watched the games and saw the support from my teammates all through the process. I had a lot of support from the fans and the front office guys.”
Doctors still don’t know how the infection originated. Martin isn’t curious. He just wants to put it behind him and play ball.
“I’m still alive,” he said. “I’m able to see my family and my kids and play baseball again. Nothing compares with it.”
Facing a 95 mph fastball on a cold day in April should be a piece of cake after what Martin experienced eight months ago.