Christopher Riley Martin Bio
Christopher Riley Martin (born June 2, 1986) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Martin’s journey to professional baseball is marked by resilience and determination, as he overcame significant challenges to reach the major leagues.
Early Life and Background
Christopher Riley Martin was born on June 2, 1986, in the United States. He attended Arlington High School in Arlington, Texas, where he showcased his talent as a pitcher on the school’s baseball team. In his senior year, he earned recognition by being named to the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association’s Class 5A All-State team. Despite being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 2004 MLB draft, Martin chose not to sign a professional contract and instead enrolled at McLennan Community College. At McLennan, Martin continued to develop his skills as a pitcher. However, his journey took a challenging turn when he suffered a shoulder injury during his sophomore season. This injury led to a diagnosis of a torn labrum, which required surgery and sidelined him from baseball for an extended period. After his recovery, Martin faced the difficult decision of stepping away from the sport, working various jobs, including loading trucks for UPS and stocking appliances in a warehouse.
Path to Baseball
After three years away from baseball, Martin began playing catch with a former high school teammate, Jordan Bostick, which reignited his passion for the game. Encouraged by Bostick, Martin decided to try out for independent league baseball. In 2010, he signed with the Grand Prairie AirHogs of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, where he made an immediate impact by throwing fastballs at 95 miles per hour. His impressive performance caught the attention of Major League Baseball teams, leading to his signing with the Boston Red Sox in 2011. Martin worked his way through the Red Sox’s minor league system, showcasing his potential as a relief pitcher. He had a successful stint in the minor leagues, which ultimately paved the way for his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2014. His journey from independent league baseball to the major leagues is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
Christopher Riley Martin Career
Early Career (2014-2015)
Martin made his MLB debut for the Colorado Rockies on April 26, 2014, pitching a scoreless inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He had a challenging first season, recording a 6.89 earned run average (ERA) in 15+2⁄3 innings pitched. After the 2014 season, he was traded to the New York Yankees, where he continued to develop as a pitcher. In his first season with the Yankees, Martin recorded his first career save on April 28, 2015, against the Tampa Bay Rays. However, he faced setbacks due to injuries, which limited his appearances.
Breakthrough (2016-2021)
Martin’s career took a significant turn when he signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball after the 2015 season. He excelled in Japan, becoming the team’s closing pitcher and earning a spot on the Pacific League All-Star team. Martin’s performance helped the Fighters win the 2016 Japan Series. After two successful seasons in Japan, he returned to the MLB, signing with the Texas Rangers in December 2017. In 2019, Martin was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he played a crucial role in their bullpen. He was part of the Braves team that won the 2021 World Series, marking a significant milestone in his career. Martin’s ability to perform under pressure and his contributions to the team’s success solidified his reputation as a reliable relief pitcher.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Christopher Riley Martin has achieved notable milestones, including being a Japan Series champion in 2016 and a World Series champion in 2021. His journey from independent leagues to major league success is a remarkable story of resilience and determination.
Christopher Riley Martin Award Nominations
Christopher Riley Martin has received recognition for his performances throughout his career, particularly during his time in Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball. His contributions to championship-winning teams highlight his impact on the field.
Christopher Riley Martin Awards Won
Martin has won significant awards during his career, including the Japan Series championship in 2016 and the World Series championship in 2021. These achievements reflect his talent and dedication to the sport.
Christopher Riley Martin Family
Christopher Riley Martin is the youngest of four children born to Connie and Matt Martin. His siblings, Crystal, Jonathan, and Shannon, also played baseball or softball during their youth. Crystal played collegiate softball for the Texas A&M Aggies, where she earned All-Big 12 Conference honors.
Personal Life
While details about Christopher Riley Martin’s personal life remain private, his dedication to baseball and his family background have played a significant role in shaping his career. Martin’s journey from a challenging start to becoming a professional athlete serves as an inspiration to many aspiring players.