MLB
OTD 1999: Pedro Martinez Struck Out 1st 4 in ASG
July 13, 1999: Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez was the 1st pitcher to strike out the 1st 4 batters in a row at the All-Star Game
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The 1999 All-Star Game featured many future Hall-of-Famers, including Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and more. However, it was the American League’s top pitcher, Pedro Martinez who instantly stole the show in his home stadium at Fenway Park. On this day in 1999, the Red Sox star opened the 66th ASG by fanning the first four NL batters who all have Hall of Fame resumes.
July 13, 1999: Boston #RedSox SP Pedro Martinez became the very 1st player to strike out each of the 1st 4 batters of an All-Star Game (Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire) in MLB history
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 13, 2021
https://t.co/zRGcaJbwrn
PEDRO RECORDED 1 OF THE GREATEST PITCHING PERFORMANCES TO START AN ALL-STAR GAME
The MLB All-Star Game has a rich history of impressive pitching performances, like Carl Hubbell striking out five Hall of Famers in a row at the 1934 event, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx. Pedro Martinez’s phenomenal performance in 1999 earned him the record of most consecutive strikeouts to start the Midsummer Classic ever.
Martinez walked off the diamond after striking out five total All-Stars through two innings of work with a 2-0 lead, later earning the game’s Win and MVP award in front of the home crowd at Fenway Park. The AL closed out the matchup with a 4-1 victory with a little help from Cal Ripken Jr., Roberto Alomar, Rafael Palmeiro, and Jim Thome.
July 13, 1999: Boston #RedSox SP Pedro Martinez became the very 1st player to strike out each of the 1st 4 batters of an All-Star Game (Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire) in MLB history
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 13, 2021
https://t.co/zRGcaJbwrn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAxHfL-bqUI
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