St. Louis Cardinals: Carlos Martinez’s unique glove represents heroism

The unique glove of Carlos Martinez is something extraordinary, which he featured in his latest start for the St. Louis Cardinals.

St. Louis Cardinals ace Carlos Martinez is often misunderstood, whose electric personality (and often changing hairstyle) often rubs people the wrong way. His fiery nature is one of a child-like wonder for the game of baseball, which extends beyond the field of play.

His heart of gold is unknown to many, who quietly and humbly engages with those less fortunate than he, primarily through his Tsunami Waves Foundation.

Ask Camille Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, who knows firsthand the heart and generosity of Martinez, which was on full display Tuesday night at Busch Stadium. You might have noticed a stylish glove that Martinez was sporting, that is out of the ordinary, one pink in color. The story behind donning that one is compelling beyond words.

The pink represents Martinez’s fight against cancer, specifically a battle that Fernandez faced alone for so many years — until Martinez, his wife Laura, and foundation stepped in saving the day. Literally.

Fernandez threw out the first pitch preceding the St. Louis Cardinals game with the Milwaukee Brewers, with her journey leading up to that moment a remarkable one.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch provides the inside scoop from that memorable night inside of baseball heaven in Arch City.  Up until a few months ago, Fernandez knew nothing about baseball, but now has a favorite team (St. Louis Cardinals) and player in Carlos Martinez.

"“I didn’t have a favorite team. I didn’t even follow baseball, but the Cardinals are my team now.”"

“I wouldn’t say that hearing his name is quite like listening to the name of my Savior. But I think when I hear the name Carlos Martinez it’s like I see God’s salvation through him. He’s like an avenue to my well-being and my blessing.”

Former St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Albert Puljos paved the way for Carlos Martinez, who aided in bringing Fernandez to St. Louis.

Since 2007, Pujols and his foundation are responsible for medical mission trips providing medical relief to the Dominican Republic, until he recently allowed Martinez and his Tsunami Waves Foundation in taking e reigns — a move that changed the life of Fernandez for eternity.

In a (seemingly) hopeless situation, Fernandez was diagnosed with a rare case of leukemia, the most “complicated case” in over 11 years according to medical professionals. When Carlos Martinez and his wife found the young woman, she was nearly dead — in both body and spirit.

After five rounds of chemotherapy, a bone-marrow transplant, and intense pain that many have never experienced, things are now looking up for Fernandez.

The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher is thankful for her progress and knows who to give all of the credit to — and no, it’s not himself.

"“I’m very happy. I just thank God that she’s alive to be here. I prayed to God for her to be able to fight leukemia here. She looks much different now.”"

Next: Accusations against Carlos Martinez are likely bogus

Real men aren’t afraid to wear pink and come to find out, Carlos Martinez is a man among boys in this selfish world. The St. Louis Cardinals are fortunate not only to have Martinez leading the pitching staff every fifth day but more so for the incredible man he indeed is off the diamond.