DODGERS NOTEBOOK : MARTINEZ FULFILLS PROMISE.Ramon Martinez Ramon Martinez is the name of several people:
It was as a member of the Dominican Olympic team in the 1984 Games in L.A. As Martinez recalled, when the Dominican team was eliminated from competition, he made a promise. ``I was so upset,'' Martinez said. ``I told Ralph, `In four years, I'm going to be back over here playing. And it took exactly four years.'' That would be 1988, the year he made his debut for the Dodgers as a 20-year-old with three-plus years minor-league experience. He was unknown to the public but loaded with promise, promise that ultimately evolved into tremendous success on the major-league level. Last week, Martinez, now 28, a veteran of all or parts of eight seasons and a fluent English speaker, won his 100th game. That's No. 9 on the club's career list since it moved to Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. . ``So fast,'' Martinez said, referring to the velocity at which time travels. ``I say to myself, `Man, it seems like yesterday I was here (as an Olympian). ``I think, `Eight years in the majors?' It's like, `Wow ' '' Generally, Martinez is satisfied with his career. He's averaged a solid 14 wins in his six full seasons. In his best year, 1990, he won 20 games and won 17 in two others. Also in 1990, he struck out 18 batters in a game against Atlanta. And, last season, he pitched a no-hitter in a 7-0 victory over the Florida Marlins The Florida Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From to the present, the Marlins have played in Dolphin Stadium. . He also has struggled. He won only eight and 10 games in 1992 and 1993, respectively, a frustrating frus·trate tr.v. frus·trat·ed, frus·trat·ing, frus·trates 1. a. To prevent from accomplishing a purpose or fulfilling a desire; thwart: period for someone who prides himself on his consistency. ``I set goals for myself every year,'' he said. ``Fifteen wins, 16 wins, 17 wins. I try to set a higher goal every year. ``This year, my goal was 20 wins but I didn't pitch all season. (He missed seven starts with a groin injury.) The most important thing is I just want to be consistent.'' At his age, Martinez might have another 10 good years and who knows how many more victories. The club record is 233, set by Don Sutton A right-handed pitcher, Sutton played for the Sioux Falls Packers as a minor leaguer, and entered the major league at the age of 21. . It's important to him to win 20 games again and he would love to play in a World Series, which he said is his ultimate goal. (He wasn't on the major-league roster during the '88 Series.) And he looks forward to the pursuit. ``Thank God I haven't had an arm injury,'' he said. ``I guess what I really want to do is just work hard and pitch for as long as I can.'' |
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