Pedro Martinez

From poverty in the poorest parts of the Dominican Republic to the MLB Hall of Fame, Pedro Martinez faced plenty of obstacles on the road to the success he has seen; a success that has far exceeded even his own expectations.

Born into hard conditions with little to no opportunities for an education or training that could lead him to a better life, Pedro managed to look within and find a driving force that fueled a motivation to overcome, to provide better for his family, and to succeed at what he put his mind and heart to.

Even as a child, he had an overwhelming drive to be the very best he could at everything he did.

Without money to afford actual baseballs, he used what he had available to practice. Rolled up socks. His sister’s doll heads. His brother’s school books. He practiced relentlessly, working on precision of his skills. He sought the wisdom and advice of those with anything to teach him.

He was unstoppable.

No matter what he faced on or off the field, Pedro played to win. Pressure only created the diamond within him that would become his character, shaping the man he is today. Resilient. Humble. Hard working. Passionate. Responsible. Determined.

Having reached the top as the best in the world, the jersey may be retired and the days on the field may be done, but the diamond – the character and the man that was shaped through the years of fight and win – remains.