Despite spending 14 seasons on the best baseball circuit in the world, Russell Martin hardly listens to baseball anymore. He turned the page definitively.
Posted at 6:18 p.m.
In addition to playing golf four to five times a week for three years and going into business with the Cruise company, which produces alcoholic beverages, he is also the father of three young daughters.
“The transition went well,” said the 39-year-old man on the terrace of the Le Mirage golf club on Monday, as part of the Omnium Théo & Louis, for the benefit of the Véro & Louis foundation and from the CHU Ste-Justine.
Even if his role as a father is his priority, he still admits to finding a lot of pleasure in his new passion which is golf. “My competitive instinct is fulfilled by golf,” he says, laughing.
A smooth retirement
Martin knew he could still play when he retired. However, he questioned himself. Then the pandemic hit. Ultimately, it will have confirmed the receiver in his intentions. He did not want to play in front of empty bleachers and even if he had received offers and teams had shown him interest, he did not feel the call or the urgency to start the process leading to a new season.
The summer of the first wave of COVID-19, Martin was in uncharted territory. For the first time in nearly 30 years, his summer was not guided by baseball. “I realized that it was quite pleasant to have a summer off! »
This comfort therefore convinced him to hang up his glove for good and devote the rest of his time to his family.
The most important thing is that the Canadian has no regrets. He lived his dream, evolved in four different markets, participated in the all-star game, played in the playoffs and faced the best players on the planet. “I did what I had to do and I had to fun. »
Leblanc, Pujols and Judge
Martin may follow baseball with a little less regularity than before, but he keeps up to date with what’s going on in the majors. He was also excited to comment on three stories that have caught the attention this season.
First, the smashing debut of Quebecer Charles Leblanc with the Miami Marlins: “When you start, when you hit and when you produce, it’s the fun. You come in like people. That’s how I started my career. You never know if you’ll get a second chance, so if you don’t perform from the start, it can be dangerous. So I’m happy for him. Especially in an organization like the Marlins, sometimes they are more patient and their payroll is a little lower, so they like it when the youngsters are good, because they will let them play. With the Marlins he is in a good place. »
Then he talked about Albert Pujols, who became the fourth player in history to hit 700 homers: “It’s 35 homers for 20 years. It’s ridiculous ! It’s incredible ! I remember, at the start of his career when he was probably at his peak, it was just amazing. When I was behind home plate, there was no way to get it out. He is strong, disciplined and intelligent. He has all the qualities. Technically, he has a great momentum, he is stable, he does not move too much and his mechanics are simple. »
Then he discussed Aaron Judge, who entered the New York Yankees history book with his 60e circuit of the season, thus joining Babe Ruth, a slap from the team record of Roger Maris: “For History, it’s super interesting, but in addition, it’s really a good kid, for real. He’s a giant, he’s a monster, so luckily he’s nice, otherwise he’d be dangerous as a tabarnouche! He also works hard, but for all the guys of his caliber, it’s not just the talent, but they work well. It couldn’t happen to a better person. I’m really happy for him. »