SSH2005 Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/15/Sports/T...to_admit_.shtml Tino forced to admit: playing career's over An ESPN gig awaits the Tampa native, who retires after 16 seasons. Tino Martinez didn't want to make a formal announcement. If he'd had his way, he just would have not showed up for spring training and gone on with his life. But with a new high-profile gig at ESPN about to start, he figured people might notice. So Tuesday, the Tampa native officially acknowledged that his stellar 16-year playing career, which included four World Series championships with the Yankees and a 2004 season with his hometown Devil Rays, indeed was over. "I don't want to make this a big deal," Martinez said by phone. "I'm done. I'm not going to play anymore. I'm 100 percent decided." Martinez, 38, said he began to realize the end was near when he was limited to part-time duty in 2005. He decided he wanted to finish his career in pinstripes, and when the Yankees declined an option to bring him back this season, he determined there was no point in going anywhere else. "I wanted to retire as a Yankee, to have that uniform on for the last time," he said. "It's a great way to go out." And the chance to get right in at ESPN, with duties that include the Baseball Tonight studio show, some radio work and assignment to a few games, provided a perfect transition and an exciting challenge. "This opportunity made it a lot easier," he said. "I'm really fired up about it. And I'm going to work hard at it to get better." After starring at Tampa Catholic and Jefferson high schools and the University of Tampa, Martinez was a 1988 first-round pick by the Mariners and a gold-medal Olympian. He made two All-Star teams during his 16 seasons with the Mariners, Yankees, Cardinals and Rays, finished second in the 1997 AL MVP voting after hitting 44 homers and piled up some impressive career numbers: a .271 average, 339 home runs and 1,271 RBIs. "To play 16 years in the big leagues; most people dream of playing one day," Martinez said. "I gave it all I had. I definitely made the most of my opportunity. And I look back with no regrets." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Allen Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Hopefully he's taking Brantley's place on Baseball Tonight. I doubt we could be that lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Tizzle Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Great, more Yankee love on ESPN. Suppose he'll be featured extensively during the BOS/NYY games to give expertise on the INTENSE RIVALRY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBlackSox8 Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 there are plenty of people i would like Tino to replace both on ESPN and Fox...............their broadcast's suck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanOfCorn Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 But you have to admit, he's a classy guy. Especially after that last quote in the article. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does on BT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamTell Posted February 16, 2006 Share Posted February 16, 2006 I think I'm going to like listening to Tino. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.