John Prendergast (activist) and Russell Martin (baseball): Difference between pages

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{{for|the soldier|John Prendergast (soldier)}}
{{for|the English footballer|Russell Martin (footballer)}}
{{Infobox MLB player|
[[Image:Prendergast john.jpg|thumb|John Prendergast]]'''John Prendergast''' is an American human rights activist focused on bringing international attention to the [[Darfur conflict|genocide in]] [[Sudan]] and the atrocities of the [[Lord's Resistance Army]] in Northern [[Uganda]]. An adviser to the [[White House]] and the [[United States Department of State|State Department]] in the mid-1990s, he later served as a Senior Adviser at the [[International Crisis Group]]. He currently works for the ENOUGH Project, whose mission is to "prevent genocide and mass atrocities by promoting Peace, providing Protection, and Punishing the perpetrators".[http://www.enoughproject.org]
name=Russell Martin|
image=RussellMartin 20060726.jpg|
width=180|
position=Catcher|
team=Los Angeles Dodgers|
number=55|
bats=Right|
throws=Right|
birthdate={{birth date and age|1983|2|15}}|
birthplace={{city-state|East York|Ontario}}|
debutdate=May 5|
debutyear=2006|
debutteam=Los Angeles Dodgers|
statyear=August 26, 2008|
stat1label=[[Batting average]]|
stat1value=.288|
stat2label=[[On base percentage]]|
stat2value=.371|
stat3label=[[Home run]]s|
stat3value=41|
stat4label=[[Runs Batted In]]|
stat4value=208|
stat5label=[[Stolen Bases]]|
stat5value=43|
teams=<nowiki></nowiki>
*[[Los Angeles Dodgers]] ([[2006 in baseball|2006]]-present)
| awards = <nowiki></nowiki>
*2x [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] selection ({{by|2007}}, {{by|2008}})
*Gold Glove ({{by|2007}})
*Silver Slugger ({{by|2007}}) }}


'''Russell Nathan Jeanson Coltrane Martin Jr.'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/martiru01.shtml|title=Russell Martin Statistics|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> (born February 15, 1983 in [[East York, Ontario]], [[Canada]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7628|title=ESPN - Russell Martin Stats, News, Photos - Los Angeles Dodgers - MLB Basbeball|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=ESPN.com}}</ref> is a professional [[baseball]] player for the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]].<ref name="Dodger profile">{{cite web|url=http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=431145|title=The Official Site of The Los Angeles Dodgers: Team: Player Information|accessdate=2007-09-15|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref> Martin has broken the record for [[stolen bases]] by a [[catcher]] with the Dodgers.
==Authorship==
Prendergast has written a number of books on Africa, most recently a volume with ''[[Hotel Rwanda]]'' actor [[Don Cheadle]], called ''[[Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond]]'' [http://www.amazon.com/dp/1401303358]. With [[Gayle Smith]], he helps direct the [[ENOUGH Project]] and is an endorser of the [[Genocide Intervention Network]]. In the last few years, he has also produced numerous broadcast pieces with advocates-actors including [[Angelina Jolie]] [http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/congojournal/], Don Cheadle and Pulitzer Prize-winner [[Samantha Power]]. He has been interviewed for major news networks including [[CBS]] [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/08/60minutes/main648277.shtml], [[NBC]], [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[PBS]], and [[CNN]]. Demonstrating his general appeal to the public, [[Men's Vogue]] focused a piece on him in one of their latest issues.[http://www.mensvogue.com/business/politics/feature/articles/2006/10/23/prendergast][http://www.cardozo.yu.edu/life/summer2005/around_campus/images/002.jpg]


He also became only the third [[catcher]] in [[Major League Baseball]] to lead his team to the playoffs as a rookie.
He gave the commencement speech for the [[Simmons College (Massachusetts)|Simmons College]] Class of 2007 on May 19, 2007. He also received an honorary doctorate in Public Service at the ceremony.[http://www.simmons.edu/about/news/releases/2007/593.shtml]
He also gave the commencement speech for [[Proctor Academy (New Hampshire)|Proctor Academy]] Class of 2007 on June 2, 2007.[http://proctoracademy.org/chucks_corner/default.asp?L4=2&newsid=402057&L1=2&L2=&newsgroupid=2836]


==Early life==
In 1997 John Prendergast, head of East African Affairs in the National Security Council, stated: “the Sudanese government is the principal threat to U.S. security interests on the continent of Africa today.”
Martin was born in [[East York, Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/players/playerpage/483767|title=Russell Martin MLB Baseball profile|accessdate=2008-04-16|publisher=Sportsline}}</ref> He grew up in [[Chelsea, Quebec]], [[Canada]] and lived in [[Paris, France]] from the age of 8-10.<ref name="Dodger profile"/> Martin has an African-Canadian father, Russell Martin Sr., and a white, French-Canadian mother, singer and actress, Suzanne Jeanson. His parents separated when he was only two years old.<ref name="The Star interview">{{cite web|first=Cathal|last=Kelly|url=http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/223500|title=Catching the fast train to L.A. - Montreal resident Martin solid behind plate for Dodgers|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=2007-06-09|publisher=The Star}}</ref> "I don't really remember when my parents separated, and it's probably better that way because I know kids these days go through some tough times," says Martin. His father used to play saxophone in Montreal subway stations to help pay for his baseball training.<ref name="The Star interview"/> Along with playing baseball in the Montreal neighborhood of [[Notre-Dame-De-Grâce]], Martin played hockey for N.D.G Minor Hockey, where glimpses of his future all-star athleticism could be seen. He graduated from Polyvalente Edouard-Montpetit, which was the same high school attended by former teammate [[Eric Gagné]].<ref name="The Star interview"/> After graduating from high school, Martin took a junior college scholarship at [[Chipola College]] in [[Marianna, Florida]].<ref name="Dodger profile"/>


==Playing career==
John Prendergast currently holds the position of Joan B. Kroc Peace Scholar at the University of San Diego in San Diego, California. Mr. Prendergast will hold this position from January 28th, to March 2, 2008. During his tenure, Prendergast will give many presentations concerning genocide and other atrocities abroad durings several film viewings and discussions. In addition to this, Mr. Prendergast also holds regular office hours.
===Minor leagues===
[[Image:Russell Martin.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Martin in spring 2007.]]
In 2002, Martin was [[Major League Baseball Draft|drafted]] by the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] in the 17th round.<ref name="The Star interview"/> Martin was originally a third baseman before switching to catcher after a scout saw him playing for the [[Gulf Coast Dodgers]] in Rookie Ball and thought he showed more promise in that position.<ref name="The Star interview"/><ref name="SN interview"/> Martin was a [[Florida State League]] All-Star catcher while with the [[Vero Beach Dodgers]] in 2004 and [[Baseball America]] 2nd Team Minor League All-Star and [[Southern League (baseball)|Southern League]] All-Star while with the [[Jacksonville Suns]] in 2005.


Although Martin was touted as a future major league player, in early 2005 the Dodgers acquired another developing catcher, [[Dioner Navarro]]. In early 2006, Martin traveled to the off-season home of pitcher [[Eric Gagné]], his teammate and fellow native of Montreal. Martin had expressed an interest in playing for [[Canada]] in the [[2006 World Baseball Classic|World Baseball Classic]], but Gagné advised him not to let anything get in the way of preparing to play in his first Major League season. Neither player participated in the Classic.
Mr. Prendergast is scheduled to address students, faculty, and guests at Potomac State College of West Virginia University, located in Keyser, West Virginia on October 23, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Church Mckee Arts Center. There is no charge for the event.


Both Martin and Navarro were invited to [[spring training]] in 2006. Both played well, but at the end of the spring Navarro was named the Dodgers' catcher, and Martin was sent to the [[Minor league baseball|Triple-A]] [[Las Vegas 51s]]. While Martin thrived in Las Vegas, Navarro played only adequately in Los Angeles, and showed signs of inexperience.
== External links ==
* [http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/congojournal/ Ripples of Genocide: Journey Through East Congo with Angelina Jolie and John Prendergast, September 2003]
* [http://www.maverickhouse.com/book.html?bid=80&title=Not%20on%20our%20Watch&no_cache=1 John Prendergast's book Not on Our Watch: The Mission to end Genocide in Darfur and Beyond]
* [http://www.mensvogue.com/business/politics/feature/articles/2006/10/23/prendergast Profile of John Prendergast in Men's Vogue, November 2006]


===Major Leagues===
{{DEFAULTSORT:Prendergast, John}}
[[Image:Russell Martin2.jpg|thumb|left|Martin with the Dodgers in 2008.]]
[[Category:American human rights activists]]
On May 5, 2006, Martin was called up to the Dodgers after a wrist injury landed Navarro on the [[disabled list]].<ref name="SN interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=2093845|title=Russell Martin achieves stardom in second big-league season|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2007-06-14|publisher=Sporting News}}</ref> He got two hits (including a double) in the game. His first hit was against [[Chris Capuano]]. The team has performed well since Martin's arrival; he has played well both offensively and defensively, and he has gained the trust of the pitchers. On the May 7 game he hit his first major league home run against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] pitcher [[Dave Bush]]. On June 6, 2006, Martin and Gagné made [[baseball]] history by becoming the first French-Canadian battery in the majors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=260606119|title=Mets vs. Dodgers - Box Score - June 6, 2006|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2006-06-06|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> On June 26, 2006, Navarro was traded to the [[Tampa Bay Devil Rays]], a move which was likely made to give Navarro some playing time somewhere else.<ref name="SN interview"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/news?playerId=5902|title=ESPN - Dioner Navarro Stats, News, Photos, - Tampa Bay Rays|accessdate=2008-04-18|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> On August 13, 2006, Martin hit his first career walk-off home run in a victory that completed a sweep of the rival [[San Francisco Giants]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=260813119|title=Giants vs. Dodgers - Box Score - August 13, 2006|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2006-08-13|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> On September 18, 2006, Martin hit a solo home run off of [[Trevor Hoffman]], the third of four consecutive home runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to tie the [[San Diego Padres]], it was the first time four home runs have been hit in a row since the 1964 [[Minnesota Twins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260918119|title=Padres vs. Dodgers - Recap - September 18, 2006|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=2006-09-18|publisher=ESPN}}</ref>
[[Category:American political writers]]
Martin has excelled since taking over the starting catcher's job. He has an above average [[batting average]], but is fast enough to [[stolen base|steal bases]], a rarity for a catcher.<ref>{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Gammons|url=http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2840107&name=gammons_peter&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d2840107%26name%3dgammons_peter|title=Martin's energy drives Dodgers|accessdate=2007-08-20|date=April 16, 2007|publisher=ESPN}}</ref> On April 21, 2007, Martin hit a walk-off [[grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] against [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] pitcher [[Shawn Chacon]] in the bottom of the 10th inning. This was the first grand slam of his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270421119|title=Pirates vs. Dodgers - Recap - April 21, 2007|quote=Martin's walk-off grand slam sends Dodgers past Pirates|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=2007-04-21|publisher=ESPN}}</ref>
In May 2007, Martin made his debut on the National League [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game| All-Star Game]] ballot at fourth place, despite leading National League catchers in most offensive categories and matching or exceeding ballot rivals in defense.<ref>{{cite web|first=Kelly|last=Thrasher|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070521&content_id=1977593&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp|title=Votebook: All-Star talents behind plate|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2007-05-21|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref> By June 26, he had made up a 140,100 vote deficit from ballot-leading [[Paul Lo Duca]], the Dodgers' former catcher now playing for the [[New York Mets|Mets]], and was 214,114 votes ahead of him.<ref name="SN interview"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Ken|last=Gurnick|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070603&content_id=2003946&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp|title=Dodgers make dent in All-Star voting|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2007-06-04|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref> That same month he broke the Dodgers' franchise record for single-season steals by a catcher (12) set by [[John Roseboro]] in 1962.<ref>{{cite web|author=GoBlue1324|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/GoBlue1324/126640/|title=2008 Fantasy Baseball: Catchers|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2007-12-27|publisher=Sporting News}}</ref> On July 1 it was announced that Martin finished in first place in All-Star Game voting, leading Lo Duca by 296,948 votes. He became the first ever Canadian born catcher to start the All-Star Game.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lyle|last=Spencer|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070710&content_id=2079849&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp|title=Dodgers take All-Star Game by storm|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2007-07-11|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref>
At the end of the 2007 season, he was awarded with the National League [[Gold Glove Award]] and the [[Silver Slugger]] award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/awards/mlb_awards_content.jsp?content=silver_slugger_history|title=The Official Site of Major League Baseball: History: MLB Awards|accessdate=2008-04-18|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=2643130|title=Maddux wins record 17th Gold Glove|accessdate=2008-04-18|date=2007-11-06|publisher=Sporting News}}</ref>
On May 2, 2008, Martin started his first game at third base since reaching the Majors, allowing veteran backup [[Danny Ardoin]] to spell Martin behind the [[home plate|plate]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080502&content_id=2627891&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la|title=The Official Site of The Los Angeles Dodgers: News: Martin starts at hot corner|accessdate=2008-09-02|date=2008-05-02|publisher=[[MLB|MLB.com]]}}</ref> Martin made his second all-star game during the 2008 season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=Baxter|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodrep7-2008jul07,0,7733094.story|title=Dodgers Report: Blister might limit All-Star Penny|accessdate=2008-09-02|date=2007-07-07|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> He caught 10 innings of a 15 inning game in which the [[American League]] won 4 to 3.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Hoch|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080715&content_id=3137808&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Night is Young: AL walks off in 15th|accessdate=2008-09-02|date=2008-07-16|publisher=[[MLB|MLB.com]]}}</ref> Martin's 10 innings caught are tied for fourth place all time among all star catchers in a single game.


==Personal life==
{{US-activist-stub}}
Martin's full name is Russell Nathan Jeanson Coltrane Martin, Jr. Russell is from his father (Russell Martin Sr.), Nathan is from his great-grandfather, Jeanson is the maiden name of his mother (Suzanne), and Coltrane is also from his dad to pay homage to [[John Coltrane]] (jazz saxophonist).<ref name="SN interview"/> Martin's father is a [[Black Canadian]] whose grandparents came to Montreal from the U.S.<ref>''Los Angeles Times'' April 15, 2007</ref>
{{US-political-writer-stub}}

Martin's entrance theme is "[[Play That Funky Music]]" by [[Wild Cherry]] although lately he has been coming out to "[[Nas Is Like]]" by [[Nas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/fan_forum/songs.jsp|title=The Official Site of The Los Angeles Dodgers: Fan Forum: Player Songs|publisher=[[MLB|MLB.com]]|accessdate=2008-09-02}}</ref> <!-- Is this really his personal life?-->

==Statistics==
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" style="border: 1px #083c6b solid; text-align: center"
|- style="background-color:#083c6b; color:white"
! width="35"|Year!! align="left" width="20"|Age!! align="left"|Team!! align="left" width="20"|Lg!! width="25"|[[Games played|<font color=white>G</font>]]!! width="25"|[[At bat|<font color=white>AB</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Run (baseball)|<font color=white>R</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Hit (baseball)|<font color=white>H</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Double (baseball)|<font color=white>2B</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Triple (baseball)|<font color=white>3B</font>]]!! width="20"|[[Home run|<font color=white>HR</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Run batted in|<font color=white>RBI</font>]]!! width="20"|[[Stolen base|<font color=white>SB</font>]]!! width="20"|[[Caught stealing|<font color=white>CS</font>]]!! width="20"|[[Base on balls|<font color=white>BB</font>]]!! width="20"|[[Strikeout|<font color=white>SO</font>]]!! width="30"|[[Batting average|<font color=white>BA</font>]]!! width="30"|[[On base percentage|<font color=white>OBP</font>]]!! width="30"|[[Slugging percentage|<font color=white>SLG</font>]]!! width="30"|[[On-base plus slugging#OPS (OPS)|<font color=white>OPS+</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Total bases|<font color=white>TB</font>]]!! width="20"|[[Sacrifice hit|<font color=white>SH</font>]]!! width="20"|[[Sacrifice fly|<font color=white>SF</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Intentional base on balls|<font color=white>IBB</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Hit by pitch|<font color=white>HBP</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Double play|<font color=white>GDP</font>]]!! width="25"|[[Value over replacement player|<font color=white>VORP</font>]]
|-
| [[2006 Major League Baseball season|2006]]|| align="left"|23|| align="left"|[[Los Angeles Dodgers|Los Angeles]]|| align="left"|[[National League|NL]]
|| 121|| 415|| 65|| 117|| 26|| 4|| 10|| 65|| 10|| 5|| 45|| 57|| .282|| .355|| .436|| 101|| 181|| 1|| 3|| 8|| 4|| 17|| 18.5
|- style="background-color:#d3d3d3"
| [[2007 Major League Baseball season|2007]]|| align="left"|24|| align="left"|[[Los Angeles Dodgers|Los Angeles]]|| align="left"|[[National League|NL]]
|| 151|| 540|| 87|| 158|| 32|| 3|| 19|| 87|| 21|| 9|| 67|| 89|| .293|| .374|| .469|| 113|| 253|| 0|| 6|| 1|| 7|| 16|| 46.1
|-
| [[2008 Major League Baseball season|2008]]|| align="left"|25|| align="left"|[[Los Angeles Dodgers|Los Angeles]]|| align="left"|[[National League|NL]]
|| 151|| 553|| 87|| 155|| 25|| 0|| 13|| 69|| 18|| 6|| 90|| 83|| .280|| .385|| .396|| 100|| 212|| 0|| 2|| 8|| 5|| 16||28.1
|- style="background-color:#083c6b; color:white"
| colspan=4 align="right" |Totals:
|| 413|| 1463|| 229|| 416|| 81|| 7|| 41|| 213|| 47|| 20|| 190|| 224|| .284|| .370|| .433|| 106|| 634|| 1|| 10|| 16|| 15|| 48||92.7
|}{{small|Roll over stat abbreviations for definitions. Stats through [[September 10]], [[2008 Major League Baseball season|2008]].<ref name=br-stats>{{cite web| url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/martiru01.shtml | title=Russell Martin Statistics| work=Baseball-Reference| accessdate=2008-08-10}}</ref>}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commonscat}}
*{{Baseballstats |mlb=431145 |espn= |br=m/martiru01 |fangraphs= |cube=M/Russell-Martin}}
*[http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?pl=431145 Minor League Splits and Situational Stats]

{{Los Angeles Dodgers roster navbox}}
{{NL C Gold Glove Award}}
{{MLBStartingCatchers}}

<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->

{{Persondata
|NAME = Martin, Russell
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Baseball catcher
|DATE OF BIRTH = February 15, 1983
|PLACE OF BIRTH = [[East York, Ontario|East York]], [[Ontario]]
|DATE OF DEATH =
|PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Martin, Russell}}
[[Category:Black Canadian sportspeople]]
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Canadian baseball players]]
[[Category:Ontario sportspeople]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players]]
[[Category:All-Star Futures Game players]]
[[Category:Quebec sportspeople]]
[[Category:People from Montreal]]
[[Category:People from East York, Toronto]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball catchers]]
[[Category:Las Vegas 51s players]]

[[fr:Russell Martin]]
[[ja:ラッセル・マーティン]]
[[fi:Russell Martin]]

Revision as of 22:44, 29 September 2008

For the English footballer, see Russell Martin (footballer).
Russell Martin
Los Angeles Dodgers – No. 55
Catcher
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
debut
May 5, 2006, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Career statistics
(through August 26, 2008)
Batting average.288
On base percentage.371
Home runs41
Runs Batted In208
Stolen Bases43
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Russell Nathan Jeanson Coltrane Martin Jr.[1] (born February 15, 1983 in East York, Ontario, Canada)[2] is a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.[3] Martin has broken the record for stolen bases by a catcher with the Dodgers.

He also became only the third catcher in Major League Baseball to lead his team to the playoffs as a rookie.

Early life

Martin was born in East York, Ontario.[4] He grew up in Chelsea, Quebec, Canada and lived in Paris, France from the age of 8-10.[3] Martin has an African-Canadian father, Russell Martin Sr., and a white, French-Canadian mother, singer and actress, Suzanne Jeanson. His parents separated when he was only two years old.[5] "I don't really remember when my parents separated, and it's probably better that way because I know kids these days go through some tough times," says Martin. His father used to play saxophone in Montreal subway stations to help pay for his baseball training.[5] Along with playing baseball in the Montreal neighborhood of Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, Martin played hockey for N.D.G Minor Hockey, where glimpses of his future all-star athleticism could be seen. He graduated from Polyvalente Edouard-Montpetit, which was the same high school attended by former teammate Eric Gagné.[5] After graduating from high school, Martin took a junior college scholarship at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida.[3]

Playing career

Minor leagues

Martin in spring 2007.

In 2002, Martin was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 17th round.[5] Martin was originally a third baseman before switching to catcher after a scout saw him playing for the Gulf Coast Dodgers in Rookie Ball and thought he showed more promise in that position.[5][6] Martin was a Florida State League All-Star catcher while with the Vero Beach Dodgers in 2004 and Baseball America 2nd Team Minor League All-Star and Southern League All-Star while with the Jacksonville Suns in 2005.

Although Martin was touted as a future major league player, in early 2005 the Dodgers acquired another developing catcher, Dioner Navarro. In early 2006, Martin traveled to the off-season home of pitcher Eric Gagné, his teammate and fellow native of Montreal. Martin had expressed an interest in playing for Canada in the World Baseball Classic, but Gagné advised him not to let anything get in the way of preparing to play in his first Major League season. Neither player participated in the Classic.

Both Martin and Navarro were invited to spring training in 2006. Both played well, but at the end of the spring Navarro was named the Dodgers' catcher, and Martin was sent to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s. While Martin thrived in Las Vegas, Navarro played only adequately in Los Angeles, and showed signs of inexperience.

Major Leagues

Martin with the Dodgers in 2008.

On May 5, 2006, Martin was called up to the Dodgers after a wrist injury landed Navarro on the disabled list.[6] He got two hits (including a double) in the game. His first hit was against Chris Capuano. The team has performed well since Martin's arrival; he has played well both offensively and defensively, and he has gained the trust of the pitchers. On the May 7 game he hit his first major league home run against the Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Dave Bush. On June 6, 2006, Martin and Gagné made baseball history by becoming the first French-Canadian battery in the majors.[7] On June 26, 2006, Navarro was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, a move which was likely made to give Navarro some playing time somewhere else.[6][8] On August 13, 2006, Martin hit his first career walk-off home run in a victory that completed a sweep of the rival San Francisco Giants.[9] On September 18, 2006, Martin hit a solo home run off of Trevor Hoffman, the third of four consecutive home runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to tie the San Diego Padres, it was the first time four home runs have been hit in a row since the 1964 Minnesota Twins.[10]

Martin has excelled since taking over the starting catcher's job. He has an above average batting average, but is fast enough to steal bases, a rarity for a catcher.[11] On April 21, 2007, Martin hit a walk-off grand slam against Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Shawn Chacon in the bottom of the 10th inning. This was the first grand slam of his career.[12]

In May 2007, Martin made his debut on the National League All-Star Game ballot at fourth place, despite leading National League catchers in most offensive categories and matching or exceeding ballot rivals in defense.[13] By June 26, he had made up a 140,100 vote deficit from ballot-leading Paul Lo Duca, the Dodgers' former catcher now playing for the Mets, and was 214,114 votes ahead of him.[6][14] That same month he broke the Dodgers' franchise record for single-season steals by a catcher (12) set by John Roseboro in 1962.[15] On July 1 it was announced that Martin finished in first place in All-Star Game voting, leading Lo Duca by 296,948 votes. He became the first ever Canadian born catcher to start the All-Star Game.[16]

At the end of the 2007 season, he was awarded with the National League Gold Glove Award and the Silver Slugger award.[17][18]

On May 2, 2008, Martin started his first game at third base since reaching the Majors, allowing veteran backup Danny Ardoin to spell Martin behind the plate.[19] Martin made his second all-star game during the 2008 season.[20] He caught 10 innings of a 15 inning game in which the American League won 4 to 3.[21] Martin's 10 innings caught are tied for fourth place all time among all star catchers in a single game.

Personal life

Martin's full name is Russell Nathan Jeanson Coltrane Martin, Jr. Russell is from his father (Russell Martin Sr.), Nathan is from his great-grandfather, Jeanson is the maiden name of his mother (Suzanne), and Coltrane is also from his dad to pay homage to John Coltrane (jazz saxophonist).[6] Martin's father is a Black Canadian whose grandparents came to Montreal from the U.S.[22]

Martin's entrance theme is "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry although lately he has been coming out to "Nas Is Like" by Nas.[23]

Statistics

Year Age Team Lg G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS+ TB SH SF IBB HBP GDP VORP
2006 23 Los Angeles NL 121 415 65 117 26 4 10 65 10 5 45 57 .282 .355 .436 101 181 1 3 8 4 17 18.5
2007 24 Los Angeles NL 151 540 87 158 32 3 19 87 21 9 67 89 .293 .374 .469 113 253 0 6 1 7 16 46.1
2008 25 Los Angeles NL 151 553 87 155 25 0 13 69 18 6 90 83 .280 .385 .396 100 212 0 2 8 5 16 28.1
Totals: 413 1463 229 416 81 7 41 213 47 20 190 224 .284 .370 .433 106 634 1 10 16 15 48 92.7

Roll over stat abbreviations for definitions. Stats through September 10, 2008.[24]

References

  1. ^ "Russell Martin Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  2. ^ "ESPN - Russell Martin Stats, News, Photos - Los Angeles Dodgers - MLB Basbeball". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  3. ^ a b c "The Official Site of The Los Angeles Dodgers: Team: Player Information". MLB.com. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  4. ^ "Russell Martin MLB Baseball profile". Sportsline. Retrieved 2008-04-16.
  5. ^ a b c d e Kelly, Cathal (2007-06-09). "Catching the fast train to L.A. - Montreal resident Martin solid behind plate for Dodgers". The Star. Retrieved 2008-04-16.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Russell Martin achieves stardom in second big-league season". Sporting News. 2007-06-14. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  7. ^ "Mets vs. Dodgers - Box Score - June 6, 2006". ESPN. 2006-06-06. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  8. ^ "ESPN - Dioner Navarro Stats, News, Photos, - Tampa Bay Rays". ESPN. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  9. ^ "Giants vs. Dodgers - Box Score - August 13, 2006". ESPN. 2006-08-13. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  10. ^ "Padres vs. Dodgers - Recap - September 18, 2006". ESPN. 2006-09-18. Retrieved 2008-04-16.
  11. ^ Gammons, Peter (April 16, 2007). "Martin's energy drives Dodgers". ESPN. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
  12. ^ "Pirates vs. Dodgers - Recap - April 21, 2007". ESPN. 2007-04-21. Retrieved 2008-04-16. Martin's walk-off grand slam sends Dodgers past Pirates
  13. ^ Thrasher, Kelly (2007-05-21). "Votebook: All-Star talents behind plate". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  14. ^ Gurnick, Ken (2007-06-04). "Dodgers make dent in All-Star voting". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  15. ^ GoBlue1324 (2007-12-27). "2008 Fantasy Baseball: Catchers". Sporting News. Retrieved 2008-04-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ Spencer, Lyle (2007-07-11). "Dodgers take All-Star Game by storm". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  17. ^ "The Official Site of Major League Baseball: History: MLB Awards". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  18. ^ "Maddux wins record 17th Gold Glove". Sporting News. 2007-11-06. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
  19. ^ "The Official Site of The Los Angeles Dodgers: News: Martin starts at hot corner". MLB.com. 2008-05-02. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  20. ^ Baxter, Kevin (2007-07-07). "Dodgers Report: Blister might limit All-Star Penny". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  21. ^ Hoch, Bryan (2008-07-16). "Night is Young: AL walks off in 15th". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  22. ^ Los Angeles Times April 15, 2007
  23. ^ "The Official Site of The Los Angeles Dodgers: Fan Forum: Player Songs". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-09-02.
  24. ^ "Russell Martin Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Retrieved 2008-08-10.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Russell Martin.

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