Former Mariners star and current Seattle hitting coach Edgar Martinez had his No. 11 retired by the team Saturday night at Safeco Field. Martinez is the second Seattle player to have his number retired, joining Ken Griffey Jr. and his No. 24.
Speaking during the pregame ceremony before Seattle’s match-up with the Los Angeles Angels, Martinez said he was greareful to the Mariners fans that were the force that kept him going.
Former designated hitter Edgar Martinez waves as he concludes his remarks at a ceremony retiring his No. 11 before a baseball game between the Mariners and Los Angeles Angels, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
“When I thought baseball gave me everything it has, it gives me more,” said Martinez.
A beautiful sight.#Exce11ence pic.twitter.com/PAuTMf6Kvl
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) August 13, 2017
The number 11 plaque was mounted on the centerfield wall next to Griffey Jr’s number 24 and a number 42 plaque honoring Jackie Robinson.
Martinez spent all 18 of his major league seasons with the Mariners. He hit .312 with a .418 on-base percentage, with 309 home runs and 1,219 RBIs.
(KPUG – Doug Lange; Associated Press material used in this story)
