(Toronto) Russell Martin’s favorite memory at Rogers Center is the same as many Blue Jays fans: Jose Bautista’s famous 2015 first-round playoff ‘bat flip’.
Posted at 5:35 p.m.
“Just the electricity from the crowd, you could feel the ground shaking and the energy was incredible,” Martin said. It really is a moment that stands out more than any other. »
Martin added another memorable moment on Friday, making the celebratory pitch in Toronto on Canada Day, with the Rays as visitors.
Retired since May 28, he was able to say thank you and farewell to Jays supporters.
Martin was hoping for “some applause and a few laughs” from the crowd as the pitch came. Instead, he received a warm standing ovation and a video tribute, where the narrator was Bautista.
Popular former manager John Gibbons gave a video testimonial, as did several former Martin teammates.
We saw the former receiver very moved on the ground with his wife Elisabeth and their two daughters, Emmy and Eva.
He made the honorary pitch to Blue Jays receiver Gabriel Moreno, who wears number 55 in honor of Martin.
Mustafa Hassan, the Jays’ locker room manager, told Martin last season that Moreno was going to port his number, putting the two in phone contact.
“It’s fabulous,” said Martin. He called me and I just told him there were a lot of hits left with that number. I wish him the best. »
Born in Toronto but raised in Montreal, Martin hit .225 with the Blue Jays. In four seasons with them, he had 66 homers and 211 RBIs, appearing once in the All-Star Game.
Martin said playing in Toronto on Canada Day has a special flavor.
“You feel the energy of the crowd,” Martin said. It’s very special with all the red jerseys. The crowd makes you feel like you’re in the playoffs, even though it’s regular season. »
Martin started his career with the Dodgers before moving to the Yankees and Pirates, before playing for the Jays. He then played one last with Los Angeles.
A member of four all-star teams, he finished his career with a .248 average, hitting 191 home runs and 771 RBIs.