Rakeville Times: The Knight of Rakeville

Pedro Martinez is interviewed by the media at Reed Field in Rakeville a day after his start in ESSEC Stackerville. Martinez look healthy and primed to lead the Rockets to glory.




The Knight of Rakeville
By Aviator McShadeless, Rakeville Times

In February, months before he threw anything that resembled a pitch, Pedro Martinez found his way to the big league side of the Rockets' sprawling complex in Pensacola, Fla., and delivered a state-of-the-comeback address. "Hold 'em for me and I'll push 'em back," he said.

As the EHCC playoffs begin, Pedro held true to his word. The long-time Rakeville ace was declared eligible to play by team trainer Lance Armstrong Sunday, but rather then join the big league club during their brief, bye-week vacation, Martinez chose to take on one of the best ESSEC teams this season with the Stackerville Flames.

The first inning was a bit rocky, as the Eagle County Kobes put up two runs on Pedro. Like a veteran, Martinez struck back, pitching five innings, giving up only five hits. He struck out four including Kobes star Jay Bruce on a fastball that couldn’t break 90 mph.

"If I'm throwing between 85 and 88 [mph]," Martinez said Friday, "and I have command of my pitches, I'll get anybody out." His performance Monday supported that brash statement, and the Rockets will really need Pedro to perform as rosters expand.

"Most teams will be adding 3-5 pitchers to their rotation when they face us," said Troy O’Leary, team manager. "The advantage we’ve had all season almost dissolves in the playoffs. We have been trying to set ourselves up for this for he last month and I think Pedro is better than anyone we could bring in."

Martinez looks at it differently. He did not fight back from injury to be a supplemental player. He came back to be a leader.

"The guys have worked so hard to get us here, and now I’m here to help take them home."