Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 10:23 am CST.
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize has lost a pioneering figure in its sports history with the passing of Chito Martinez, the country’s sole Major League Baseball player. Born Reyenaldo Ignacio Martinez, he made history as the first and only Belizean to reach the highest level of professional baseball. He 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.
“We mourn the passing of former Orioles outfielder Chito Martinez, the only native of Belize to play in the majors,” the Baltimore Orioles, with whom Martinez spent his three-season MLB career, announced his passing on their X account. A GoFundMe page had been launched in recent weeks to support his family following a series of hospitalizations.
Martinez was born on December 19, 1965, in Belize City, British Honduras (now Belize) and immigrated to New Orleans with his family at the age of two. He emerged as a standout player at Brother Martin High School before being selected by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the 1984 MLB Draft. Over six years in the Royals’ farm system, he played two seasons (1988–89) with the Memphis Chicks, then the team’s Double-A affiliate. During his time in Memphis, Martinez competed in 268 games, recorded 36 home runs, 36 doubles, and 127 RBIs, alongside future MLB stars Brian McRae, Tom Gordon, and Kevin Appier.
Martinez made his MLB debut in 1991 as an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles and quickly made an impact, hitting 13 home runs following his midseason call-up. He set a record by becoming the first Orioles player to hit safely in each of his first six games. Over parts of three seasons with Baltimore, he finished his MLB career with a .259 batting average, 18 home runs, and 58 RBIs across 158 games.
His brother, Robbie Martinez, reflected on Chito’s influence, praising his leadership and mentorship beyond baseball. “He introduced me to the sport and taught me invaluable lessons about life,” Robbie told Crescent City Sports.
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The post Belizean baseball pioneer Chito Martinez passes away at 59 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 10:23 am CST. By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize has lost a pioneering figure in its sports history with the passing of Chito
The post Belizean baseball pioneer Chito Martinez passes away at 59 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
