Pedro Martinez Urges MLB Owners and Players to Avoid Lockout
The Hall of Fame pitcher told the Boston Herald that fans deserve better than a stoppage, citing his own financial losses during the 1994 strike.
By Giulia Marshall ·
Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez spoke Saturday in Boston, calling on Major League Baseball owners and the players' union to resolve their contract dispute before it halts the season. Martinez attended the 10th annual gala for his foundation, where he addressed the impending labor impasse.
"I feel for the fans, and I know when it's good, and it's good, baseball is good right now," Martinez said, according to the Boston Herald. "So stop the crap around and get something done and don't lock out baseball for the fans."
Martinez, who described himself as "pissed" about the situation, urged both sides to find a workable solution. "Please, for the fans, both sides, figure it out, a good way to get it done, and do not lock out baseball," he stated.
The current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1. MLB owners have proposed a salary cap, with their latest offer on Tuesday delaying the cap's implementation until 2028. The players' union has consistently rejected any discussion of a salary cap during negotiations.
Martinez referenced the 1994 strike to illustrate the personal and professional costs of a stoppage. He was in his first season with the Montreal Expos, a team that held the best record in the majors at 74-40 when play was suspended. The cancellation of the 1994 season also delayed his eligibility for arbitration by one day.
"I hope the commissioner can see me and hear and the players' association hears what I have to say," Martinez said. "I might be insignificant, but I lived it before. I experienced that before.. I was one of the most punished players at that moment because I had talent, and I needed to wait until arbitration to make my money. So I hope they don't mess it up and they don't mistreat the fans."
Martinez noted that the 1994 stoppage led to necessary changes that improved the sport. "This time, there's no excuse," he added. "On both sides, not the PA, not the owners, not baseball. The fans do not deserve to be mistreated."
