VIDEO: Remembering When Pedro Martinez Obliterated NL Legends in the 1999 All-Star Game:
By Nick Porr
Pedro Martinez simply isn't human, and the throwback footage always confirms it. The Hall of Famer made eight All-Star appearances in his storied career, but none could compare to his start in the 1999 All-Star Game. Representing the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Martinez pitched two innings against some of the greatest to ever play the game, and didn't give up a single hit.
In the first inning, Martinez struck out the side. He got Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Barry Larkin swinging. Then, he took down fellow Hall of Famer and Colorado Rockies outfielder Larry Walker looking. Lastly, Martinez got reigning MVP Sammy Sosa to strike out swinging.
In the second, Martinez was just as dominant. He started out the inning with a strikeout of Mark McGwire, then got Matt Williams to ground the ball lightly to the second baseman on his first pitch, which 10 time Gold-Glove winner Roberto Alomar bobbled for an error.
Despite the fielding mishap, Martinez was unfazed. He got Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell to strike out, and his catcher Ivan Rodriguez caught Williams trying to steal, ending the inning.
The six batters that Pedro Martinez so easily dispatched have five MVP awards and 28 Silver Sluggers between them, and three have made the Hall of Fame (and it might've been five, if priorities had laid elsewhere). He struck out all but one of them on just 28 pitches.
Pedro Martinez made superstars look like little leaguers on this beautiful night at the Fens. Pop, pop, pop. Never forget it.