Pedro Jaime Martínez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball starting pitcher, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1992 to 2009, for five teams—most notably the Boston Red Sox from 1998 to 2004.
Martínez in 2010
Martínez in 2004
Derek Lowe (left) and Pedro Martínez at the Red Sox World Series Victory Parade in 2004.
Martínez pitching with the Mets
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the 3,000 strikeout club is the group of 19 pitchers who have struck out 3,000 or more batters in their careers. Walter Johnson became the first member in 1923, and was the only one until Bob Gibson joined in 1974. The most recent addition is Max Scherzer, who joined on September 12, 2021. The group includes three left-handed pitchers: CC Sabathia, Steve Carlton, and Randy Johnson. Randy Johnson reached the mark with the fewest games pitched and innings pitched. The Minnesota Twins were the first of four franchises to see multiple pitchers record their 3,000th strikeout: Walter Johnson in 1923 and Bert Blyleven in 1986. The other teams with multiple members are the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees, and the Houston Astros. César Gerónimo is the only player struck out by two pitchers for their 3,000th strikeout: Gibson in 1974 and Ryan in 1980. Ten 3,000-strikeout pitchers are also members of the 300-win club. Seven members were named to the All-Century Team, a list of MLB's best 100 players; fans later elected four of them as starters. Thirteen members of the club also won a Cy Young Award in their careers.
Nolan Ryan is Major League Baseball's all-time strikeout leader at 5,714.
Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, second all-time in strikeouts, is one of only three left-handed pitchers with 3,000 strikeouts.
An electronic banner announces John Smoltz' 3000th strikeout during a game in April 2008.