Tippy Martinez (with Orioles from 1976-1986)
52-40, 105 SV, 3.46 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 752.3 IP, 112 ERA+ (with Orioles)
Only Jim Palmer has appeared in more games for the Baltimore Orioles than Tippy Martinez and no one has finished more games for Baltimore than Tippy. He’s also fourth all-time on the Orioles’ saves list.
Tippy Martinez started his career with the New York Yankees. He was acquired by the Orioles in the 10-player trade on June 15, 1976 that also brought over Rick Dempsey and Scott McGregor, both of whom are also on this Orioles all-time 25-man roster.
Except for his very bad 1978 season, Martinez was a mainstay out of the Orioles’ bullpen for eight years from 1977 to 1984. He appeared in 408 games and had 92 saves during this stretch, with a record of 46-34 and a 3.24 ERA. He appeared in three games in the 1979 World Series loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing one run in 1 1/3 innings. He was better in the 1983 post-season. Martinez pitched nine innings in five post-season games and helped the Orioles to the World Series title over the Philadelphia Phillies.
The most famous moment of Martinez’ career came on August 24, 1983. The Orioles were facing the Blue Jays and the score was tied 3-3 in the top of the 10th. A series of moves were made by the Orioles that led to infielder Lenn Sakata having to play catcher for the first and only time in his major league career. Tim Stoddard starting the inning on the mound for the O’s, but allowed a solo home run and a single. Tippy Martinez came into the game and picked off Barry Bonnell at first. Dave Collins then walked . . . and was picked off by Tippy Martinez. Willie Upshaw followed with a single . . . and was picked off by Tippy Martinez. It was incredible, three batters reached base and three batters were picked off.
Amazingly, the Orioles would end up winning that game in the bottom of the inning on a walk-off home run by Lenn Sakata. Martinez pitched three more years with the Orioles but got progressively worse. He was released in the middle of the 1987 season.
Baltimore Orioles All-Time 25-Man Roster:
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Starting Lineup
2B Brian Roberts
DH Ken Singleton
RF Frank Robinson
SS Cal Ripken, Jr.
1B Eddie Murray
LF Boog Powell
3B Brooks Robinson
C Rick Dempsey
CF Paul Blair
Baltimore Orioles
Bench
OF Brady Anderson
OF Adam Jones
C Chris Hoiles
SS Mark Belanger
INF Bobby Grich
INF Manny Machado
Starting Rotation
RHP Jim Palmer
RHP Mike Mussina
LHP Dave McNally
LHP Mike Flanagan
LHP Scott McGregor
LHP Mike Cuellar
Relievers
RHP Gregg Olson
LHP Zach Britton
RHP Dick Hall
LHP Tippy Martinez
Next: Nationals All Time 25 Man Roster
Just Missed the Cut (the next 10 players)
OF Al Bumbry
OF Nick Markakis
3B Melvin Mora
1B Rafael Palmeiro
3B Doug DeCinces
SP Milt Pappas
SP Mike Boddicker
SP Steve Barber
RP Jim Johnson
RP Stu Miller