Starling Marte Bio
Starling Javier Marte (born October 9, 1988) is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Oakland Athletics, and New York Mets. Marte made his MLB debut in 2012 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and has established himself as a notable player in the league. He is a two-time MLB All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner. In 2021, he led the major leagues with 47 stolen bases, showcasing his speed and agility on the field. Marte is also recognized as the active leader in stolen bases and triples, with totals of 361 and 55, respectively.
Early Life and Background
Starling Marte was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He faced significant challenges early in life, including the death of his mother when he was just nine years old. Following this tragedy, his grandmother took on the responsibility of raising him. Growing up in a vibrant culture, Marte was exposed to baseball at a young age, which would eventually shape his future career. His passion for the sport led him to pursue opportunities in baseball, culminating in his signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007.
Path to Baseball
Marte’s journey to professional baseball began in the minor leagues, where he primarily played as a center fielder. His talent quickly became evident as he excelled in various minor league teams. In 2010, he played 60 games for the Pirates’ Class-A affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, achieving a batting average of .315. His performance earned him recognition, and he was selected to represent the Pirates at the 2011 All-Star Futures Game. By 2012, Marte was ranked among the top prospects in baseball, leading to his promotion to the major leagues later that year.
Starling Marte Career
Early Career (2012-2015)
Starling Marte made his MLB debut on July 26, 2012, with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made an immediate impact, hitting a home run on the first pitch he faced, becoming the third player in franchise history to do so. In his rookie season, he played in 47 games and batted .257 with 5 home runs and 12 stolen bases. His performance in 2013 was notable, as he batted .280 across 135 games, contributing 12 home runs and 41 stolen bases. Marte’s consistent performance led to a six-year, $31 million contract extension with the Pirates in 2014.
Breakthrough (2016-2019)
Marte’s breakthrough came in 2016 when he was selected as an All-Star for the first time. He played in 129 games that season, achieving a batting average of .311 and leading the league with 47 stolen bases. His defensive skills were recognized with a Gold Glove Award, marking his first such honor. However, his career faced a setback in 2017 when he was suspended for 80 games due to a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance. Despite this challenge, he returned to the field and continued to perform well, hitting his 100th career home run in 2019.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Starling Marte has been recognized for his achievements, including two All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards. He has consistently ranked among the league leaders in stolen bases and has made significant contributions to his teams in both offensive and defensive capacities.
Starling Marte Award Nominations
Starling Marte has received several nominations throughout his career, primarily for his outstanding performances in All-Star selections and Gold Glove Awards.
Starling Marte Awards Won
Marte has won multiple awards, including two Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional defensive skills and two All-Star selections for his offensive contributions.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| All-Star | 2 | 2016, 2022 |
| Gold Glove Award | 2 | 2015, 2016 |
Starling Marte Family
Starling Marte is married to Elianny Santana, with whom he has three children: two sons, Starling Jr. and Smerling, and a daughter, Tiana. His family has been a significant part of his life, providing support throughout his career.
Personal Life
Marte’s personal life has been marked by both joy and tragedy. He lost his mother at a young age and was raised by his grandmother, who passed away in 2022. In 2020, he faced the heartbreaking loss of his first wife, Noelia Brazoban, who died unexpectedly. In August 2023, Marte got engaged to Elianny Santana, and they married in December of the same year. His family remains a source of strength and motivation as he continues his professional journey.