Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 4:11 pm CST.
Belize’s only baseball player to play in the United States Major Leagues, Chito Martinez, passed away at 59. The photo shows him in his primer when be played for the Orioles. Photo Credit: Baltimore Orioles
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: “We mourn the passing of former Orioles outfielder Chito Martinez, the only native of Belize to play in the majors,” the Baltimore Orioles announced on their official X account, honoring the late athlete who made history as Belize’s first and only Major League Baseball player.
Martinez, born Reyenaldo Ignacio Martinez, passed away on April 20 at the age of 59 in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, reportedly due to a heart attack, according to Crescent City Sports. His death marks the loss of a pioneering figure in Belizean sports history and a former member of the Orioles roster.
The Belizean-born athlete, who immigrated to New Orleans with his family as a child, was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the 1984 MLB Draft. However, it was with the Baltimore Orioles that he made his mark in the majors, debuting in 1991 and setting a record as the first Orioles player to hit safely in each of his first six games. Across three seasons with Baltimore, he totaled 18 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a .259 batting average over 158 games.
In recent weeks, a GoFundMe page had been launched to support Martinez’s family following a series of hospitalizations, underscoring the challenges he faced in his final days. His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, teammates, and members of the baseball community, all recognizing the legacy he leaves behind.
Martinez’s brother, Robbie, reflected on the impact Chito had not just on the sport but also on those around him.
“He introduced me to the sport and taught me invaluable lessons about life,” Robbie told Crescent City Sports.
As Belize’s lone representative in Major League Baseball, Martinez’s achievements remain an inspiration to aspiring players from his homeland. His contributions to the game and his influence beyond the diamond will be remembered with deep respect and admiration.
Chito Martinez with his wife
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The post Baltimore Orioles mourn passing of Chito Martinez, Belize’s only baseball player to play in US Major Leagues appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 4:11 pm CST. Belize’s only baseball player to play in the United States Major Leagues, Chito Martinez, passed away at 59.
The post Baltimore Orioles mourn passing of Chito Martinez, Belize’s only baseball player to play in US Major Leagues appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
