11 Days of Edgar: Community All-Star
Day 1: Seattle Icon
Day 2: Postseason Hero
Day 3: By the Numbers
Day 4: The Yankee Killer
Day 5: The Doubles
Day 6: Defining the DH Position
Day 7: One of the Game’s Greats
On the field, Edgar Martinez was a 7-time American League All-Star. Off the field, he has been, and continues to be, an All-Star in the Seattle community.
His skills on the playing field are only outshone by his character off the field as demonstrated by his commitment to, and benevolence toward, Seattle.
Edgar moved to Seattle when he joined the Mariners and never left. Along with his wife, Holli, they have raised their three children in Seattle.
He has given generously of his time, his money and his energy to support causes important to him and his family. Children’s Hospital, Overlake Hospital and Muscular Dystrophy Research are just a few of the many causes that Edgar supported as a player and continues to support today as a member of the community.
“The Northwest is very important to me. My wife is from here and it has been a great place for our family to live. It feels good to be able to give back to the community and help make a difference.” — Edgar Martinez
Edgar has been a long-time supporter of Children’s Hospital through hospital visits and fundraising events.
Edgar and Holli have also provided resources and encouragement to highly-qualified young teachers and student-teachers of color to help provide under-served populations with educational opportunities.
2004 Roberto Clemente Award
Edgar was selected as the 2004 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes the player who best represents the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions, on and off the field.
Roberto Clemente Jr. presented Edgar with the award during the 2004 World Series. Edgar, who grew up in Puerto Rico, became the first Puerto Rican to receive the Clemente Award.
“To have Edgar be the first one (from Puerto Rico) to win the award is very special to our family,” Clemente Jr. said at the time. “We think the world of Edgar, and what he has done on and off the field is outstanding and wonderful. I truly believe he is the right guy to be the first.”
In recognition of Edgar’s selection, $2,500 was donated to his charity of choice, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
2007 World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame
In 2007, Edgar was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, along with NBA star Dikembe Mutombo and NASCAR driver Kyle Petty.
The Hall of Fame, which is located in Boise, ID, recognizes individuals and organizations from the world of amateur and pro sports who best represent the game of baseball through their humanitarian efforts and distinguish themselves as role models in the community.
Edgar has helped fulfill the wishes of several children with life-threatening conditions through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. During the holidays, he has distributed toys and autographs to kids as part of Rick Rizzs’ Toys for Kids Holiday Tour.
A limited edition T-shirt in honor of Edgar Martinez’s number retirement is available in all Seattle Mariners Team Stores, with a portion of the proceeds targeted for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The shirts, both men’s and women’s styles, sell for $30 each, with $5 from each sale going to the Edgar Martinez Endowment for Muscular Dystrophy Research, established by the Mariners when Edgar retired in 2004.
Edgar Martinez Weekend is set for August 11–13 when the Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. The weekend-long celebration begins with Bobblehead Night this Friday, August 11. Edgar joins Ken Griffey Jr. in becoming the 2nd player in franchise history to have his number retired in a pre-game ceremony on Edgar Martinez Number Retirement Night, Saturday, August 12. The festivities conclude with Edgar Martinez Replica Jersey Day this Sunday, August 13.
Edgar is one of 10 right-handed batters to lead the American League in batting multiple times. Tomorrow, we detail Edgar’s batting titles of 1992 and 1995.
