Former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin announced his retirement after playing 14 seasons in the Majors. Martin revealed the news in an Instagram post that showed him wearing a jersey of every team he played for.
The Montreal Expos originally selected Martin in the 35th round of the 2000 MLB Draft. However, he elected to attend Chipola College in Florida rather than begin his professional career. Martin then was picked by the Dodgers in the 17th round of the 2002 MLB Draft.
Martin made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2006 and remained with the team through the 2010 season. Coming off a hairline fracture in his right hip, Martin reached free agency after getting non-tendered by the Dodgers.
He went on to sign with the New York Yankees, playing two seasons with the team. Martin then signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. That was followed by returning to his native Canada by playing for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Martin’s career then came full circle when the Blue Jays traded him to the Dodgers for Minor Leaguers ronny Brito and Andrew Sopko.
Martin spent the entire 2019 season with the Dodgers and after it was completed said he didn’t have any intentions on retiring. However, he never played at the Major League level or Minors after that point.
The four-time All-Star finished his career a lifetime .248/.349/.397 hitter over 14 seasons. He finished ninth for National League Rookie of the Year in 2009, and earned MVP votes from 2013-2015.
Martin additionally won a Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger in 2007, which was his first of back-to-back All-Star seasons with the Dodgers.
Martin’s final season with the Dodgers also included four pitching appearances, which was comprised of a scoreless inning each time on the mound.
Martin adds to list of former Dodgers retiring
Martin joins Adrián González, Drew Butera and Tony Watson as former Dodgers who have retired over recent months. Matt Magill, who was taken by the team in the 31st round of the 2008 MLB Draft, also retired.
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