Pedro Martinez issues Hall of Fame plea for Dominicans - even those linked to PEDs

MIAMI – Hall of Famers like Goose Gossage and Reggie Jackson have been adamant in their opposition to players with links to performance-enhancing drugs getting into the Cooperstown shrine.

Their brethren Pedro Martinez has a more moderate – and modern – stance.

Holding court with news reporters before Saturday’s World Baseball Classic game between his native Dominican Republic and the United States, Martinez said it was a shame former Montreal Expos teammate Vladimir Guerrero did not get chosen for the Hall in his first year on the ballot. With 71.7% of the vote, Guerrero fell less than four percentage points short.

Martinez also made a case for other countrymen like David Ortiz, Adrian Beltre and Albert Pujols once they’re eligible, then added in Spanish, “And, since the doors are now opening up, I hope the rest of the Dominicans who haven’t gotten in for one reason or another get that opportunity as well.’’

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That appeared to be an oblique reference to Sammy Sosa and Manny Ramirez, who have failed to garner much support despite Hall-worthy numbers, obviously because of their steroids links, which in Ramirez’s case include two failed drug tests.

Asked if he believes those connected to steroid use should be allowed in, Martinez responded, “Well, if the doors are opened to everybody, to those who have been involved with steroids, then they shouldn’t close the doors to our guys either.’’

In the last two elections, players like Mike Piazza, Ivan Rodriguez and Jeff Bagwell, who were suspected of using PEDs but have no paper trail, have been voted into the Hall.

Martinez, currently a special assistant with the Boston Red Sox and an MLB Network commentator, was on hand to watch the game and throw out the ceremonial first pitch, along with MLB executive Joe Torre.

Before that, Martinez was mobbed by news reporters upon appearing on the field and fielded questions on a variety of subjects. One of them regarded the likelihood the DR would get to host WBC games, a fervent desire back home. Martinez said the Dominican should get that opportunity eventually, but issues of security and facilities would have to be addressed first.

“I’m the first one to say that, unfortunately, the conditions aren’t right yet to hold a World Baseball Classic in the Dominican Republic,’’ Martinez said, “but I think we can get there, and we’re working to that end.’’

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