Carlos Martínez (martica02)

Carlos Alberto Escobar Martinez
(Cafe)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 5", Weight 175 lb.

• Debut September 2, 1988
• Final Game July 20, 1995
• Born August 11, 1965 in La Guaira, Vargas, Venezuela
• Died January 24, 2006 in La Guaira, Vargas, Venezuela

BR page

Biographical Information

Carlos Martinez hit the famous home run off the head of Jose Canseco and over the wall on May 26, 1993. He enjoyed brief big league success in a career that spanned 1988 to 1995.

He played in the minors beginning in 1984 and ending in 1995, originally breaking into pro ball as a shortstop in the New York Yankees organization. His best year as a hitter was 1989, when he hit .300 with the Chicago White Sox. His next best was 1991 when he hit .284 with the Cleveland Indians. He came up as a third baseman, but made too many errors at third and was moved to first base and DH. However, in 1993 and 1995, he again became primarily a third baseman.

He played more games at first base than anyone else on the White Sox in 1990, a year in which Hall of Famer Frank Thomas first reached the majors. When he moved to the Indians in 1991, Brook Jacoby was the regular third baseman and Martinez fought the 21-year-old future Hall of Famer Jim Thome for backup playing time at third.

Carlos hit two home runs on August 30, 1992 as a member of the Indians against the Oakland A's. Both home runs were struck against Ron Darling.

His main teammates included Carlos Baerga (240), Albert Belle (189) ,Kenny Lofton (147), Ivan Calderon (130) and Carlton Fisk (130).

Martinez' sons, Jose Martinez and Teodoro Martinez, have both played professional baseball. Jose reached the majors in 2016.

He died at the age of 40 after a lengthy battle with stomach cancer.

Notable Achievements

• 1989 Topps All-Star Rookie Team