Here's Why JD Martinez Has His Full Name on Back of Red Sox Jersey
By Sean Facey
Unless there are multiple players on the same team with the same last name, you likely won't see someone's first name emblazoned on a jersey back.
JD Martinez, however, is the exception to the rule.
The Boston Red Sox slugger had a touching reason as to why he chooses to put his full name on the back of his jersey.
It’s a different lineup without JD Martinez.
— Gabrielle (@gfstarr1) June 8, 2019
It’s the 2017 lineup, to be specific.
And we all know how that went.
Back when he was with the Tigers, he shared the same last name as teammate Victor Martinez, so he gladly took the option of having his first name tacked on in front.
When he was traded to the Diamondbacks, though, he kept it. Why?
"I feel like it symbolizes my journey. Why change it now? I like having my full name on my jersey.”
Low key one of the best parts about JD Martinez is that he wears his whole name on the back of his jersey pic.twitter.com/pK8QUoJr7Z
— Dan O'Mara (@Dan_OMara) February 19, 2018
It's been a long road indeed for Martinez. After trudging along with the Astros for a few years, he found new life in Detroit and he hasn't looked back.
He went from a failed prospect to the first player in MLB history to win two Silver Sluggers in one season.
jd martinez was already really cool for having his entire name on his jersey
— joon lee (@joonlee) September 5, 2017
The name on his jersey serves as a reminder of who he was and a statement of who he is now.