Los Angeles Dodgers star J.D. Martinez recently achieved a significant milestone in his career, joining the esteemed 300-home run club in Major League Baseball.
Martinez reached this milestone during a victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field earlier this week.
He expressed his gratitude towards one individual in particular who played a crucial role in his career resurgence.
In an interview with Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, Martinez revealed that the Dodgers celebrated his achievement by toasting him with champagne, a gesture previously reserved for other notable milestones such as Clayton Kershaw’s 200th win, Freddie Freeman’s 300th home run, and 2000th hit.
Martinez took the opportunity to express his appreciation for Robert Van Scoyoc, the Dodgers’ hitting coach, who played a pivotal role in his career turnaround following his release from the Houston Astros.
Martinez referred to Van Scoyoc as “like a brother” to him, highlighting the strong bond they have developed.
Martinez joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022 when he signed a one-year contract worth $10 million.
Before donning the Dodger blue, he spent five successful seasons with the Boston Red Sox, earning four All-Star selections during his time there.
His journey to the 300-home run club has been a remarkable one. He initially made his major league debut in 2011 with the Houston Astros but was released by the team after the 2013 season.
Undeterred by this setback, Martinez joined the Detroit Tigers, where he truly flourished. In 2015, he earned his first All-Star nod, boasting impressive stats with a .282 batting average, .344 on-base percentage, and .535 slugging percentage, along with 38 home runs and 102 runs batted in.
Reflecting on his accomplishment after the game against the Rockies, Martinez expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the journey he has embarked upon since his release from the Astros.
Speaking to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, Martinez described it as a “blessing” and emphasized his appreciation for the opportunity Detroit gave him when they believed in his abilities.
Considering his early struggles and uncertainties, Martinez admitted he would never have predicted reaching this milestone. Nonetheless, he considers it a tremendous blessing.
As he continues to make his mark in the world of baseball, his recent inclusion in the 300-home run club further solidifies his standing as one of the game’s elite power hitters.
With the support of his teammates and the guidance of Robert Van Scoyoc, Martinez’s journey serves as an inspiration to those facing adversity in their own careers, demonstrating that dedication and resilience can lead to extraordinary achievements.