Article Author:
Canadian Press
John Chidley- Hill
Toronto — Russell Martin's favorite memories at the Rogers Center are the same as many Toronto Blue Jays fans. He is Jose Bautista's infamous bat flip in Game 5. Of the 2015 American League Division Series.
"The electricity in the crowd alone made me feel the ground trembling and the energy was abnormal," Martin said. "It's definitely a moment that stands out from any other moment."
Martin added another memorable moment on Friday in front of a packed Canadian Day spectator at a stadium in Toronto. I threw the opening ceremony. He officially announced his retirement from baseball on May 28, and appearing at the Rogers Center was an opportunity to thank and say goodbye to Blue Jays fans.
Born in Toronto and raised in Montreal, Martin is one of the most skilled Canadians to play in the Blue Jays. The catcher played in an All-Star match in four seasons in Toronto with a batting average of .225, a home run of 66, and a RBI of 211.
He said playing in Toronto on Canada Day feels different from the typical game at Rogers Center.
"You feel the energy of the crowd and the crowd is hyped for Canada Day," says Martin sitting in the Blue Jays dougout before the Matinee game with the Tampa Bay Rays. I did. "It's not a playoff, but it's special because you get a red jersey and the spectators feel like they're in the playoffs.
" You really get it in a regular season game There's energy I can't afford. "
Martin started his career at the Los Angeles Dodgers before moving to the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto, finishing his play at L.A. last season. I did. He averages .248, 191 home runs, 771 RBIs, and four All-Star games.
He said he generally stopped watching baseball and instead focused on raising children and playing golf. When Martin was asked if he would retire and represent Canada in an international tournament like the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he said it was unlikely.
"I'm very sick right now. I thought I could, but it's not enough to get sick," he said with a laugh. "I pay too much respect to those who spend a lot of time in the off-season. They go to work and are in good shape.
" They have been fine-tuned so far It's like a race car. I'm like a beaten Chevy. "
This report by Canadian Press was first published on July 1, 2022.
