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Edgar: An Autobiography
Patience, persistence, and the most unlikely of circumstances vaulted Edgar Martinez from a poor neighborhood in Dorado, Puerto Rico to the spotlight in Seattle, where he spent the entirety of his 18-year major league career with the Mariners. At last, his path is destined for one last the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Long before he cemented his status as one of the finest players of his generation, Martinez honed his batting skills by hitting rocks in his backyard and swinging for hours at individual raindrops during storms. Loyal and strong-willed from a young age, he made the difficult decision at only 11 to remain behind with his grandparents while his family relocated to New York, attending school and then working multiple jobs until a chance Mariners try-out at age 20 changed everything. In this illuminating, highly personal autobiography, Martinez shares these stories and more with candor, characteristic humility, and surprising wit. Highlights include the memorable 1995 and 2001 seasons, experiences playing with stars like Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr., and Alex Rodriguez, and life after retirement as a family man, social advocate, and Mariners hitting coach. Martinez even offers practical insight into the mental side of baseball and his training regimen, detailing how he taught himself to see the ball better than so many before and after him. Interwoven with Martinez’s own words throughout are those of his teammates, coaches, and contemporaries, contributing a distinctive oral history element to this saga of a remarkable career.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published June 11, 2019
28 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Edgar Martinez
10 books2 followersEdgar Martínez (born January 2, 1963), nicknamed "Gar" and "Papi", is a Puerto Rican former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a designated hitter and third baseman for the Seattle Mariners from 1987 through 2004. He served as the Mariners' hitting coach from 2015 through 2018.
Martínez grew up in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Not highly regarded as a prospect, he signed with the Mariners as a free agent in 1982, and was given a small signing bonus. He made his major league debut in 1987, but did not establish himself as a full-time player until 1990, at age 27. In the 1995 American League Division Series, he hit "The Double", which won the series and increased public support for Mariners baseball as they attempted to fund a new stadium. He continued to play until 2004, when injuries forced him to retire.
Martínez was a seven-time MLB All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion. He is one of 18 MLB players to record a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .400, and a slugging percentage of .500 in 5,000 or more plate appearances. The Mariners retired his uniform number and inducted him into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame. Martínez was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Martínez grew up in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Not highly regarded as a prospect, he signed with the Mariners as a free agent in 1982, and was given a small signing bonus. He made his major league debut in 1987, but did not establish himself as a full-time player until 1990, at age 27. In the 1995 American League Division Series, he hit "The Double", which won the series and increased public support for Mariners baseball as they attempted to fund a new stadium. He continued to play until 2004, when injuries forced him to retire.
Martínez was a seven-time MLB All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion. He is one of 18 MLB players to record a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .400, and a slugging percentage of .500 in 5,000 or more plate appearances. The Mariners retired his uniform number and inducted him into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame. Martínez was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 24, 2019
From the time I was a kid I complained that I could not read in the car because it made me sick. Today that changed when I saw I had a six hour ride and wanted to make headway in the books I brought with me. The summer is about baseball- I am going to two games this week- so naturally the two books I brought with me are baseball themed. Edgar Martinez was the face of the Seattle Mariners for nearly two decades. Next month he will be inducted into the hall of fame in a large class and I am excited to tune into the festivities. He has come out with a timely version of his memoirs that I was all too happy to read during my car trip.
Edgar Martinez was raised by his grandparents in Magauyo, Puerto Rico. His cousin a year older than him Carmelo Martinez lived down the round, and both boys could be found playing baseball all day. Like other boys their age in Puerto Rico, Edgar and Carmelo idolized Roberto Clemente. Practicing baseball all day, the boys would envision themselves as Clemente up at bat in the ninth inning of a crucial game. Edgar says these moments of practicing as a kid would help him in big moments during his career with the Mariners. Carmelo got drafted young and had a fast track to the major leagues. Edgar was still living in Puerto Rico at age nineteen because with his inside out swing scouts didn’t think that he would hit a lot of home runs. He enrolled at business school and worked to pay his way, envisioning himself as a small business owner in his home town. Eventually, Carmelo pulled some strings, and Edgar earned a spot in the Mariners organization through a try out. Dreams of being a business owner would be put on hold as dreams of being the next Puerto Rican Star had emerged in their place.
After lingering in the minors for five years because scouts didn’t see Edgar as a prototypical corner infielder who hit for power, Martinez finally won the job as the Mariners every day third baseman in 1989. I don’t remember much from his early career as I was strictly a national league fan and only saw American League stars during the all star game. Edgar didn’t make the roster in the first few years but it was apparent that he was becoming one of the best pure hitters in the league. He set a personal goal for each year to hit .350 and achieved it once but only hit under .300 once more for the rest of his career. It was a career marred by many early injuries that shifted Edgar to full time designated hitter by 1994. Carmelo notes that Edgar was one of the best third baseman in the league before the injuries; after moving to DH, Edgar could focus on the art of hitting and honing his craft, which he did for the remainder of his career.
What I found fascinated is that Edgar played his entire career with strabismus. He employed team eye doctors to create special eye exercises for him to practice each day for half an hour so that his eyes would stay focused. At some points the eyes did not work in tandem and Edgar nearly had to go on the disabled list. He tells the anecdote that when his manager feared that he really could not see the ball, that the next night in Minnesota, he hit a home run in his first at bat. Many times he lost a pitch and ducked out of the way. This put Edgar a step ahead of a lot of pitchers and allowed him to sit on pitches for most of his career. He ended up being a spray hitter who hit from line to line rather than a home run hitter, but ask people around the league, and they would say that he was the best hitter on the Mariners. The fact that he did this with a potentially hazardous eye condition makes Edgar’s craft as a pure hitter all the special.
The special seasons of 1995 and 2001 are front and center, 1995 saving baseball in Seattle and 2001 ending in disappointment. Mariners powerhouse teams ran up against equally powerful Yankees and Indians teams of the same era. Despite winning 116 games in 2001, the Mariners could not get past the Yankees in the playoffs, again, and, sadly, no one usually remembers who finishes second. Yet, to Mariners fans in Seattle, Edgar’s double in the 1995 playoffs to beat the Yankees remains an iconic moment that endeared him to the fans. As other star players left the Northwest for more prominent teams including the Yankees and won championships there, Edgar would remain the face of the franchise for the rest of his career. Sadly the Mariners have not been back to the playoffs since 2001, but those teams in the late 1990s featuring a slew of future Hall of famers were fun to watch.
Since retiring from the Mariners in 2004, Edgar completed the business degree that took a back seat to baseball for the last twenty year. He and his wife run a foundation in Seattle that raises money for kids with muscular dystrophy and other diseases. Edgar notes that the highlight of his career besides the 1995 playoffs is earning the 2004 Roberto Clemente award, becoming the first Puerto Rican player to do so. Today, Edgar is a business savvy investor and also is a roving instructor for the Mariners, after spending four years as their hitting coach. I hope that after a few years, Edgar gets antsy to put on a uniform again. He was one of the best pure hitters of his generation and ball players today can learn a lot from him. This year, that determination and hard work has finally paid off with induction to the hall of fame. Mariners fans are indeed excited for Edgar’s crowning achievement. I was privileged to spend an entire car ride reading about his special career.
3.5 stars
Edgar Martinez was raised by his grandparents in Magauyo, Puerto Rico. His cousin a year older than him Carmelo Martinez lived down the round, and both boys could be found playing baseball all day. Like other boys their age in Puerto Rico, Edgar and Carmelo idolized Roberto Clemente. Practicing baseball all day, the boys would envision themselves as Clemente up at bat in the ninth inning of a crucial game. Edgar says these moments of practicing as a kid would help him in big moments during his career with the Mariners. Carmelo got drafted young and had a fast track to the major leagues. Edgar was still living in Puerto Rico at age nineteen because with his inside out swing scouts didn’t think that he would hit a lot of home runs. He enrolled at business school and worked to pay his way, envisioning himself as a small business owner in his home town. Eventually, Carmelo pulled some strings, and Edgar earned a spot in the Mariners organization through a try out. Dreams of being a business owner would be put on hold as dreams of being the next Puerto Rican Star had emerged in their place.
After lingering in the minors for five years because scouts didn’t see Edgar as a prototypical corner infielder who hit for power, Martinez finally won the job as the Mariners every day third baseman in 1989. I don’t remember much from his early career as I was strictly a national league fan and only saw American League stars during the all star game. Edgar didn’t make the roster in the first few years but it was apparent that he was becoming one of the best pure hitters in the league. He set a personal goal for each year to hit .350 and achieved it once but only hit under .300 once more for the rest of his career. It was a career marred by many early injuries that shifted Edgar to full time designated hitter by 1994. Carmelo notes that Edgar was one of the best third baseman in the league before the injuries; after moving to DH, Edgar could focus on the art of hitting and honing his craft, which he did for the remainder of his career.
What I found fascinated is that Edgar played his entire career with strabismus. He employed team eye doctors to create special eye exercises for him to practice each day for half an hour so that his eyes would stay focused. At some points the eyes did not work in tandem and Edgar nearly had to go on the disabled list. He tells the anecdote that when his manager feared that he really could not see the ball, that the next night in Minnesota, he hit a home run in his first at bat. Many times he lost a pitch and ducked out of the way. This put Edgar a step ahead of a lot of pitchers and allowed him to sit on pitches for most of his career. He ended up being a spray hitter who hit from line to line rather than a home run hitter, but ask people around the league, and they would say that he was the best hitter on the Mariners. The fact that he did this with a potentially hazardous eye condition makes Edgar’s craft as a pure hitter all the special.
The special seasons of 1995 and 2001 are front and center, 1995 saving baseball in Seattle and 2001 ending in disappointment. Mariners powerhouse teams ran up against equally powerful Yankees and Indians teams of the same era. Despite winning 116 games in 2001, the Mariners could not get past the Yankees in the playoffs, again, and, sadly, no one usually remembers who finishes second. Yet, to Mariners fans in Seattle, Edgar’s double in the 1995 playoffs to beat the Yankees remains an iconic moment that endeared him to the fans. As other star players left the Northwest for more prominent teams including the Yankees and won championships there, Edgar would remain the face of the franchise for the rest of his career. Sadly the Mariners have not been back to the playoffs since 2001, but those teams in the late 1990s featuring a slew of future Hall of famers were fun to watch.
Since retiring from the Mariners in 2004, Edgar completed the business degree that took a back seat to baseball for the last twenty year. He and his wife run a foundation in Seattle that raises money for kids with muscular dystrophy and other diseases. Edgar notes that the highlight of his career besides the 1995 playoffs is earning the 2004 Roberto Clemente award, becoming the first Puerto Rican player to do so. Today, Edgar is a business savvy investor and also is a roving instructor for the Mariners, after spending four years as their hitting coach. I hope that after a few years, Edgar gets antsy to put on a uniform again. He was one of the best pure hitters of his generation and ball players today can learn a lot from him. This year, that determination and hard work has finally paid off with induction to the hall of fame. Mariners fans are indeed excited for Edgar’s crowning achievement. I was privileged to spend an entire car ride reading about his special career.
3.5 stars
January 17, 2023
Great read! Not only makes me long for baseball, but also love where I live now. As much a baseball book as it is a love letter to Seattle.
July 3, 2019
Edgar Martinez is the best player in the Seattle Mariners' history. There were a lot of great players, but he played his entire career with one team, and those are the only players that should be considered a team's greatest player.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. Edgar talked about his childhood growing up in Puerto Rico and how he got into baseball. In the middle, he broke down each year of his career and started talking about them chronologically. At first, I liked it because he was talking about his time in the minors and how he played third base and was afraid there was not a place for him on the major league team. I was aware he had an eye problem that required he do certain exercises before games, but I was not aware of the extent it affected him.
By the time he started talking about the 1995 season, I grew a little bit bored. 1995 was the year I really became a Seattle Mariners fan and followed the team closely from then on. He mostly discussed his stats and the other players on the team. It certainly wasn't boring or bad, it just felt like watching a rerun of a really great TV show. His story about the stereo in spring training was awesome, and I wanted more clubhouse stories. The April Fools joke against Griffey was hilarious, and I really wish more stories like that were included. Edgar was the consummate professional and was probably preparing for the game while the other players were engaged in antics and shenanigans.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. Edgar talked about his childhood growing up in Puerto Rico and how he got into baseball. In the middle, he broke down each year of his career and started talking about them chronologically. At first, I liked it because he was talking about his time in the minors and how he played third base and was afraid there was not a place for him on the major league team. I was aware he had an eye problem that required he do certain exercises before games, but I was not aware of the extent it affected him.
By the time he started talking about the 1995 season, I grew a little bit bored. 1995 was the year I really became a Seattle Mariners fan and followed the team closely from then on. He mostly discussed his stats and the other players on the team. It certainly wasn't boring or bad, it just felt like watching a rerun of a really great TV show. His story about the stereo in spring training was awesome, and I wanted more clubhouse stories. The April Fools joke against Griffey was hilarious, and I really wish more stories like that were included. Edgar was the consummate professional and was probably preparing for the game while the other players were engaged in antics and shenanigans.
July 28, 2019
At first, I didn't really think Edgar Martinez should have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. A decent third baseman early in his career, "Gar" made his name by being a designated hitter, meaning he sat on the bench more than 80 percent of the game.
But when looking at his lifetime batting average, his on-base-percentage and the fact that he played his entire career in Seattle, I slowly changed my mind and thought if others, like David Ortiz, are Hall bound, Edgar should be. Also, in an era where batters either swing for the fences or strike out, Martinez' pride in hitting doubles and being more of a team player than a stat hound was somewhat refreshing.
That's not to say he wasn't aware of his own stats. Two third of the book highlight that.
The first part was the most interesting as Martinez wrote about playing in Puerto Rico and how he ended up in the majors. He had an odd eye issue that made his hitting all the more remarkable and he wrote about how he tried to overcome that and his fear of being hit by a pitch when, if his drifting eye slipped, he'd lose sight of the ball.
If you're a fan of the 1990s era of baseball, this is a decent book full of names from that time. Along with Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey Jr., there's Jay Buhner and Bret Boone and Norm Charlton - players that may not have grabbed a lot of headlines but, as baseball fans should know.
The book bogs down, I thought, when Martinez begins chronicling each year. It seemed they were all the same. He'd either do well and the team would play poorly, losing 90 or so games, or he'd be injured. It was pretty repetitive. And there weren't a lot of stories about different players and different years, other than the April Fools' joke of trading Griffey or Martinez smashing a radio in the clubhouse. Baseball fans can watch the games and see Martinez hit his doubles nearly every night. They want more behind-the-scenes tales.
But when looking at his lifetime batting average, his on-base-percentage and the fact that he played his entire career in Seattle, I slowly changed my mind and thought if others, like David Ortiz, are Hall bound, Edgar should be. Also, in an era where batters either swing for the fences or strike out, Martinez' pride in hitting doubles and being more of a team player than a stat hound was somewhat refreshing.
That's not to say he wasn't aware of his own stats. Two third of the book highlight that.
The first part was the most interesting as Martinez wrote about playing in Puerto Rico and how he ended up in the majors. He had an odd eye issue that made his hitting all the more remarkable and he wrote about how he tried to overcome that and his fear of being hit by a pitch when, if his drifting eye slipped, he'd lose sight of the ball.
If you're a fan of the 1990s era of baseball, this is a decent book full of names from that time. Along with Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey Jr., there's Jay Buhner and Bret Boone and Norm Charlton - players that may not have grabbed a lot of headlines but, as baseball fans should know.
The book bogs down, I thought, when Martinez begins chronicling each year. It seemed they were all the same. He'd either do well and the team would play poorly, losing 90 or so games, or he'd be injured. It was pretty repetitive. And there weren't a lot of stories about different players and different years, other than the April Fools' joke of trading Griffey or Martinez smashing a radio in the clubhouse. Baseball fans can watch the games and see Martinez hit his doubles nearly every night. They want more behind-the-scenes tales.
January 18, 2021
EDDDDDD.......GGGGAAAARRRR!! EDDDDDD.......GGGGAAAARRRR!! Edgar esta caliente!
Edgar Martinez is an absolute legend. He took batting practice with the donut still on the bat (hitting the ball where the donut is each time), did eye exercises for an hour a day to compensate for a vision problem, and by all accounts is one of the most genuine guys you could hope to meet. For Seattle Mariners baseball fans in the 1990s-2000s, Edgar has a prominent place in Mt. Olympus (or perhaps Mt. Rainier?) alongside Griffey, Buhner, Big Unit, Ichiro, A-Rod (if he is allowed in there yet), and more.
This book is more for a baseball fan because baseball is the focus, but Edgar reveals his personal side at times too. Regardless, it is an amazing story. From humble beginnings in Puerto Rico (Edgar once hid on his grandparents' roof at age 11, purposely missing a flight to move with his parents to New York City so he could stay in PR) to winning batting titles, it was a long road for Edgar and it is very inspirational. One of my favorite parts of the book is that there are a lot of snippets from other players and coaches about Edgar. For a Mariners fan, it was fun to read about the team through the years; people like Darnell Coles, Harold Reynolds, and Omar Visquel are brought back to life. It seems like Edgar was extremely respected all-around. The book also reveals lots of stories from the clubhouse, and Edgar writes a lot about training. Edgar was a machine; for example, he rode on an exercise bike for 20 minutes after winning a playoff series to keep up his routine while everyone was already celebrating, and he took one day off in the postseason! He just shows up at the ballpark the day after the season is over, ready to go!
I am glad Edgar made the Hall of Fame and I smile each time I drive by Edgar Martinez Drive in Seattle. Thank you 1995 Seattle Mariners for saving baseball, thanks for the great 2001 season, and thanks for all the memories.
Edgar Martinez is an absolute legend. He took batting practice with the donut still on the bat (hitting the ball where the donut is each time), did eye exercises for an hour a day to compensate for a vision problem, and by all accounts is one of the most genuine guys you could hope to meet. For Seattle Mariners baseball fans in the 1990s-2000s, Edgar has a prominent place in Mt. Olympus (or perhaps Mt. Rainier?) alongside Griffey, Buhner, Big Unit, Ichiro, A-Rod (if he is allowed in there yet), and more.
This book is more for a baseball fan because baseball is the focus, but Edgar reveals his personal side at times too. Regardless, it is an amazing story. From humble beginnings in Puerto Rico (Edgar once hid on his grandparents' roof at age 11, purposely missing a flight to move with his parents to New York City so he could stay in PR) to winning batting titles, it was a long road for Edgar and it is very inspirational. One of my favorite parts of the book is that there are a lot of snippets from other players and coaches about Edgar. For a Mariners fan, it was fun to read about the team through the years; people like Darnell Coles, Harold Reynolds, and Omar Visquel are brought back to life. It seems like Edgar was extremely respected all-around. The book also reveals lots of stories from the clubhouse, and Edgar writes a lot about training. Edgar was a machine; for example, he rode on an exercise bike for 20 minutes after winning a playoff series to keep up his routine while everyone was already celebrating, and he took one day off in the postseason! He just shows up at the ballpark the day after the season is over, ready to go!
I am glad Edgar made the Hall of Fame and I smile each time I drive by Edgar Martinez Drive in Seattle. Thank you 1995 Seattle Mariners for saving baseball, thanks for the great 2001 season, and thanks for all the memories.
December 7, 2019
A lifelong, die-hard fan of the Seattle Mariners, I was eager to read this autobiography of Edgar Martinez. He is one of our heroes, the orchestrator of “the double,” with a retired jersey number, a street adjoining the ballpark named in his honor, and finally a plaque in Cooperstown. Pennants, posters and baseball cards of Edgar were prominently displayed in my childhood bedroom. Edgar is a big deal.
Fandom aside, this autobiography didn’t work for me. I appreciated learning new details about his unique journey to big league stardom and his famous work ethic. But I’m not sure his story was best told as an autobiography. Larry Stone of The Seattle Times was a co-author and I think the book would have stronger if he had written it alone. A unique feature is the many interviews of teammates, friends, and front office officials for their perspective. But it was distracting. Edgar is known for his humility, but it was too obvious throughout, borderline self-deprecating at times. Edgar really didn’t need to soothe the egos of Jim Presley and Darnell Coles, the players who blocked his path to major league playing time. He was better, enough said.
Editors at Triumph Books: was a deadline hit and the book unfinished? This was one of the most abrupt endings ever. Only two paragraphs to tie things together? I also found several typos. Far too many.
Ultimately, I’m glad I read this. Nostalgia galore. Just wish it had been better.
Fandom aside, this autobiography didn’t work for me. I appreciated learning new details about his unique journey to big league stardom and his famous work ethic. But I’m not sure his story was best told as an autobiography. Larry Stone of The Seattle Times was a co-author and I think the book would have stronger if he had written it alone. A unique feature is the many interviews of teammates, friends, and front office officials for their perspective. But it was distracting. Edgar is known for his humility, but it was too obvious throughout, borderline self-deprecating at times. Edgar really didn’t need to soothe the egos of Jim Presley and Darnell Coles, the players who blocked his path to major league playing time. He was better, enough said.
Editors at Triumph Books: was a deadline hit and the book unfinished? This was one of the most abrupt endings ever. Only two paragraphs to tie things together? I also found several typos. Far too many.
Ultimately, I’m glad I read this. Nostalgia galore. Just wish it had been better.
September 1, 2019
Edgar Martinez is one of the greatest hitters to ever lace up a pair of cleats, featuring a career filled with iconic moments for the Seattle Mariners baseball franchise. For the most part, his autobiography here does a solid job of capturing those moments. Though perhaps seeming like a bit of a "Hall of Fame case" at times, it isn't overbearing in this capacity.
This is a pretty standard autobio, albeit one that is quite well-written and doesn't air old grievances or gripes like so many of these types do. It basically covers every aspect of Edgar's baseball-playing career, from his childhood to his retirement and even his post-baseball life. Because he stuck around for so long and was such a great player, the moments kind of speak for themselves.
Really, the only criticism I have about this book is that, at times, it can seem like a bit of a case for his HOF induction. Of course, if that is/was the case it worked, as he was inducted in 2019! Not only does the timing line up, but there were subtle times throughout the book where Edgar seemed to be pointing out key tenants of his playing career in a very positive light. Nothing inherently wrong with that, of course, but it was perhaps telegraphed a bit obviously.
For the most part, though, "Edgar" will be a solid read for those who remember Martinez's career or are Mariners fans, especially.
This is a pretty standard autobio, albeit one that is quite well-written and doesn't air old grievances or gripes like so many of these types do. It basically covers every aspect of Edgar's baseball-playing career, from his childhood to his retirement and even his post-baseball life. Because he stuck around for so long and was such a great player, the moments kind of speak for themselves.
Really, the only criticism I have about this book is that, at times, it can seem like a bit of a case for his HOF induction. Of course, if that is/was the case it worked, as he was inducted in 2019! Not only does the timing line up, but there were subtle times throughout the book where Edgar seemed to be pointing out key tenants of his playing career in a very positive light. Nothing inherently wrong with that, of course, but it was perhaps telegraphed a bit obviously.
For the most part, though, "Edgar" will be a solid read for those who remember Martinez's career or are Mariners fans, especially.
March 15, 2021
We finally got an autobiography of Edgar Martinez, one of the biggest heroes/biggest legends/nicest guys in Seattle sports history.
If you're a Mariners/Edgar fan, you've heard a lot of these stories before (Edgar as a child hiding when his parents moved to New York, the 1995 season, his eye problems, weighing his bats), but it's still nice to get those stories from his side, and putting them all together in one collection to show What Makes Edgar Great.
There were a handful of typos ("there" vs. "their," words in wrong places), which is annoying, but I've seen worse, and either Marinez's or Stone's use (overuse) of the em dash also annoyed me at times, especially when colons or commas would have been appropriate. AND! Right toward the end of the book, they talk about the commercials Martinez starred in for the Mariners and mention the one where he teaches new players how to pronounce Northwest words and phrases (such as "Puyallup" and how to order a latte), but they spell "geoduck" as "gooey duck." Yes, that's how it's pronounced, but you lose the humor of the commercial by spelling it phonetically.
If you're a Mariners/Edgar fan, you've heard a lot of these stories before (Edgar as a child hiding when his parents moved to New York, the 1995 season, his eye problems, weighing his bats), but it's still nice to get those stories from his side, and putting them all together in one collection to show What Makes Edgar Great.
There were a handful of typos ("there" vs. "their," words in wrong places), which is annoying, but I've seen worse, and either Marinez's or Stone's use (overuse) of the em dash also annoyed me at times, especially when colons or commas would have been appropriate. AND! Right toward the end of the book, they talk about the commercials Martinez starred in for the Mariners and mention the one where he teaches new players how to pronounce Northwest words and phrases (such as "Puyallup" and how to order a latte), but they spell "geoduck" as "gooey duck." Yes, that's how it's pronounced, but you lose the humor of the commercial by spelling it phonetically.
August 1, 2019
I don’t like to review most books, but this one I am very happy to do so. I’ve admired Edgar Martinez for years, and back in 1997 a friend (at the time) and I waited and waited and waited and waited outside the Kingdome (after a ballgame) to get his autograph.
It was getting close to midnight, and he and his wife finally drove out in their BMW and he signed a homemade sign that we made for him! Nobody else was around but us. I’ve collected some of his baseball cards, been to plenty of games he played in, and I was also at his final game as a Mariner.
It’s so great that he made it to the Hall of Fame (finally!) in 2019. He is such an amazing, dedicated, talented and hard worker, and this book was such a pleasure to read! I highly recommend it to anyone who is a baseball fan or an Edgar fan! Enjoy it! :-)
It was getting close to midnight, and he and his wife finally drove out in their BMW and he signed a homemade sign that we made for him! Nobody else was around but us. I’ve collected some of his baseball cards, been to plenty of games he played in, and I was also at his final game as a Mariner.
It’s so great that he made it to the Hall of Fame (finally!) in 2019. He is such an amazing, dedicated, talented and hard worker, and this book was such a pleasure to read! I highly recommend it to anyone who is a baseball fan or an Edgar fan! Enjoy it! :-)
June 15, 2019
I expected this to be a book that I bought as a fan of Edgar’s and had low expectations beyond that.
With Seattle Times sportswriter Larry Stone as co-author, I loved this book. It is more than just an autobiography but at many points a window inside the baseball philosophy of one of the greatest hitters of all time.
I am admittedly a huge Edgar Martínez fan but for those who love baseball and appreciate the importance of hard work, this is more than just a biography released to capitalize on a Hall of Fame moment of publicity.
With Seattle Times sportswriter Larry Stone as co-author, I loved this book. It is more than just an autobiography but at many points a window inside the baseball philosophy of one of the greatest hitters of all time.
I am admittedly a huge Edgar Martínez fan but for those who love baseball and appreciate the importance of hard work, this is more than just a biography released to capitalize on a Hall of Fame moment of publicity.
July 28, 2024
A good bio on Edgar Martinez, one of the best hitters during the 90's, especially at DH. Talks a lot about his epic 1995 season with the Mariners and those pages are written well, but was still hoping for a little more on the 97, 2000 and 2001 seasons. A lot of the book is kind of repetitive, with players talking about Edgar for a few pages but basically saying the same things over and over again. It's not bad, and closer to a 3.5 than a 2.5, but although the book has its moments and good stories I guess I was hoping for a little more.
October 18, 2019
If you're a Seattle Mariners and/or Edgar Martinez fan, this is a must read. Edgar teamed with Seattle Times reporter Larry Stone to write a highly readable book that's also full of quotes, both short and long, from former players, coaches, managers, etc. While much of the content is public knowledge, there's some new information as well, which I won't reveal here because that would be spoiling it. And it was fun to relive old times, both good and bad, with the Mariners.
June 17, 2019
Threatens to be standard stuff, but distinguishes itself by capturing of Edgar’s voice and, most significantly, contributions from friends, coaches, and players throughout his life. His particular dedication and character are even more impressive than what I knew— and I was watching most of these games while they were being played!
August 26, 2019
Okay, you probably have to be an Edgar fan to give an autobiography 5 stars... but I really enjoyed it. I learned, I gained more understanding, and I laughed.
Edgar and Larry Stone are clearly good friends and the book is well written.
Edgar and Larry Stone are clearly good friends and the book is well written.
October 20, 2019
Exactly what you hope for from this book. Edgar telling you about when the Mariners were great. I found myself remembering specific games as he walks you through each season. For the Edgar fan this is perfect.
January 15, 2020
Finished the book over about 1 day period. Any baseball fan should enjoy Edgar’s story and for Mariners fans it’s a wonderful trip through a large portion of the team’s history. So glad Gar made it the Cooperstown and more importantly never left us here in Seattle 🙂⚾️
July 25, 2019
Nice job of capturing the story of a true gentleman ballplayer.
November 21, 2019
Inspirational story of what hard work, determination, and believing in yourself can do to help you fulfill your dreams.
January 20, 2020
Loved how the flow went, Edgar would "speak" and then there would be dialogue from his teammates. It was an easy read!
September 4, 2021
My favorite baseball player of all time. Humble, funny, hard worker and icon. Great to hear his story from his point of view.
August 10, 2022
It's a well written book about Edgar's Mariner career. It repeats itself a lot, but that's okay if you're a baseball fan.
September 3, 2019
Altogether an insightful look into the life a player who is known for his reserved personality and hard-working disposition. The insight from other teammates and coaches in the appropriate sections helped balance out Edgar's perception of events versus how others perceived him. There's a fair bit of baseball stats and terminology which may be challenging to those unfamiliar with the sport.
December 30, 2019
I grew up watching this man play. I loved reading the background of his journey, the anecdotes from former teammates and managers. I wish more athletes were this humble and hardworking!
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