The Boston Red Sox will be retiring their ninth number in franchise history, as Pedro Martinez's No. 45 jersey will join the club on July 28th.
From ESPN:
"To be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame upon his first year of eligibility speaks volumes regarding Pedro's outstanding career, and is a testament to the respect and admiration so many in baseball have for him," Red Sox principal owner John W. Henry said in a statement.
"And baseball fans admire Pedro for more than his remarkable career accomplishments. His dynamic personality, love for the game, his fearlessness coupled with humility, his passionate, competitive spirit, and his ability to squeeze every ounce of talent out of a small frame were reasons so many fans connected with him."
Martinez's No. 45 will become the ninth number to adorn the right-field facade of Fenway Park, joining Bobby Doerr's No. 1, Joe Cronin's No. 4, Johnny Pesky's No. 6, Carl Yastrzemski's No. 8, Ted Williams' No. 9, Jim Rice's No. 14, Carlton Fisk's No. 27 and Jackie Robinson's No. 42. Robinson's number is retired throughout Major League Baseball.
Congrats to Pedro!
