Chito Martínez

Reyenaldo Ignacio "Chito" Martínez (December 19, 1965 – April 20, 2025) was a Belizean Major League Baseball (MLB) player, the first in MLB history to be born in his country.

Career

Born in Belize City, Martínez emigrated to New Orleans with his family at two years old. After struggling in the minors, he contemplated going into business with his father whose company sells and services air conditioners.<ref name="doubters">Template:Cite news</ref> Martinez played minor league baseball for the Kansas City Royals organization, but never came close to the major leagues with them. The outfielder was signed to the Baltimore organization in the winter of 1990. By July 1991, Martinez had the most home runs in the International League (20) and he was called up from the Class AAA Rochester Red Wings to the Orioles.<ref name=Schmuck>Template:Cite news</ref>

He spent parts of three seasons (1991 to 1993) with the Baltimore Orioles, hitting 13 home runs in his rookie season and posting a slugging percentage of .514 in 216 at-bats. He was also the first Orioles player to record a hit in each of his first six MLB games.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

After his power dropped dramatically in 1992, Martínez received less playing time for the Orioles. He appeared in eight games for team in 1993, but was quickly demoted to the minors. He was unable to work his way back to the majors and retired from baseball in 1995.

Personal life and death

Martinez's son, Drew, played college baseball at the University of Memphis and was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 10th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. He played in the minor leagues from 2011 to 2016.<ref name=Cape>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Commercial>Template:Cite news</ref> As of 2025, he is the fundamentals coach for the Eugene Emeralds, the San Francisco Giants High-A affiliate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Another son, Dalton, played college baseball at Southern Polytechnic State University and, as of 2025, is the hitting coach at Georgia State.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Martinez died from a heart attack in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, on April 20, 2025, at the age of 59.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

External links

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