N Y DAILY NEWS MARCH 19 2011 ARTICLE
March 19 2011
BY CHRISTIAN RED & EBENEZER SAMUEL
PEDRO'S A PORTRAIT OF GREATNESS
He helped the Red Sox end an 86-year-old World Series hex, won three Cy Young Awards during an 18-season career that even took him to Flushing. And he is a virtual lock to enter Cooperstown. But on Friday, Pedro Martinez adds another prestigious - and rare - honor to his resume: A ceremony to unveil his portrait as part of the National Portrait Gallery's "recent acquisitions" exhibit will be held in Washington D.C.
Yes, the pitcher who once famously called the Yankees his "Daddy" during the height of the Yankee/Red Sox rivalry in 2003-04, will soon have his likeness displayed near those of U.S. Presidents, actors, athletes, even villains - the Gallery's collection ranges from President George Washington to L.L. Cool J and boasts over 20,000 objects.
"I'm extremely excited. My family is going to be there. I just hope I don't choke up," Martinez, 39, tells The Score.
The ceremony will no doubt kick up rumors that Martinez is done pitching, after having last taken the mound for the Phillies in their 2009 World Series loss to the Yankees.
"It would have to be a really special occasion," says Martinez when asked if he'll pitch in 2011 or beyond. "I'm healthy. I've been working out. If an opportunity came, I'm in shape and can pitch. But I'm not planning on it at this point. I'm enjoying my family and building my foundation."
The portrait, painted by New England artist Susan Miller-Havens, features Martinez in a neutral uniform at the base of the pitcher's mound.
It was part of ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons' collection. Gammons donated it to the Portrait Gallery, but the museum's board of commissioners had to give final approval.
"The gallery contains portraits of individuals who have made a significant contribution to American history and culture," says Carolyn Carr, the Gallery's deputy director and chief curator. "Baseball is a topic that reaches out to people of all ages, and when considering Pedro's portrait, it was important to recognize his impact on his sport."
During a stretch from 1997-2003, Martinez was one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of the game, winning those three Cy Young Awards while with the Montreal Expos and Sox. He became a U.S. citizen in 2006.
Miller-Havens also painted a portrait of Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk that is also part of the Portrait Gallery's collection. Martinez said the painter is a good friend of his, too.
Asked if he has a speech prepared, Martinez said he will come with no prepared notes. "I'll be me," Martinez says. "I always say what I feel, and speak from my heart. This honor shows what I did in my career. It was one of the greatest careers, and I'm grateful for everything I've achieved."
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