Reyenaldo Ignacio "Chito" Martínez, (born December 19, 1965) is a former Major League Baseball player and the first in MLB history to be born in the country of Belize. Born in Belize City, 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. It would be the high point of his career. After his power dropped dramatically in 1992, Martínez quickly faded away. He appeared in eight games in 1993 before disappearing from the major leagues.

Career

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 The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major League Baseball ...

(20) and he was called up from the Class AAA

Rochester Red Wings The Rochester Red Wings are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. They are located in Rochester, New York, and play their home games at Innovative Field ...

to the Orioles.

Personal

Martinez has a son who plays minor league baseball. Drew Martinez attended the University of Memphis. He was selected by the New York Mets in the 2010 MLB draft after his sophomore year, but returned to Memphis for another year. He was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 10th round of the

2011 Major League Baseball draft The 2011 Major League Baseball draft was held from June 6 through June 8, 2011, from Studio 42 of the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Gerrit Cole out of the University of California, Los Angeles, with the first ...

and played in the minor leagues from 2011 to 2016.

References

1965 births Living people People from Belize City Baltimore Orioles players Major League Baseball right fielders Major League Baseball players from Belize Brother Martin High School alumni Eugene Emeralds players Fort Myers Royals players Memphis Chicks players Omaha Royals players Rochester Red Wings players Bowie Baysox players Columbus Clippers players Colorado Springs Sky Sox players {{Baseball-right-fielder-stub