Chito Martínez

Reyenaldo Ignacio "Chito" Martínez, (born December 19, 1965) was the first player in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) to be born in the country of Belize. Born in Belize City, he spent parts of three seasons (1991 to 1993) with the Baltimore Orioles, hitting 13 home runs in his rookie season and posting a slugging percentage of .514 in 216 at bats. He was also the first Orioles player to record a hit in each of his first six MLB games.[1] It would be the high point of his career. After his power dropped dramatically in 1992, Martínez quickly faded away. He appeared in eight games in 1993 before disappearing from the major leagues.

Career

Martinez played minor league baseball for the Kansas City Royals organization, but never came close to the major leagues with them. The outfielder was signed to the Baltimore organization in the winter of 1990. By July 1991, Martinez had the most home runs in the International League (20) and he was called up from the Class AAA Rochester Red Wings to the Orioles.[2]

Personal

Martinez has a son who plays minor league baseball. Drew Martinez attended the University of Memphis. He was selected by the New York Mets in the 2010 MLB draft after his sophomore year, but returned to Memphis for another year. He was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in 2011.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ "1992 Upper Deck baseball card # 672".
  2. ↑ Schmuck, Peter (6 July 1991). "Team reaches Whitt's end, Chito Martinez brought up". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  3. ↑ Rohan, Tim. "Cape League Spotlight: Drew Martinez, Brewster". Cape Cod Times. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  4. ↑ "Martinez, Locante first Memphis-area players drafted in MLB draft". The Memphis Commercial Appeal. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 3 December 2012.


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