Baseball trailblazer Chito Martinez passes at 59
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The baseball community is remembering a history-maker—someone who brought pride not only to his team but to an entire country.
Chito Martinez, the first and only Belize native to play in Major League Baseball, has passed away at the age of 59 due to a heart attack.
His story wasn’t just about statistics—it was about perseverance, representation, and the power of breaking barriers.
Born in Belize—then known as British Honduras—Martinez moved to the United States with his family at just two years old.
They settled in New Orleans, where he discovered his love for baseball and quickly stood out as a natural on the field.
His time at Brother Martin High School cemented his reputation as a rising talent, and before long, professional scouts came calling.
Martinez's journey to the majors wasn’t a straight line.
Like many players, he spent time in the minor leagues, refining his skills and working hard to earn his spot.
In 1991, after a strong season in Triple-A Rochester, where he hit 20 home runs from April to July, he got the call that would change his life—an invitation to join the Baltimore Orioles.
His MLB debut that year made history. Not only was he joining one of baseball’s most storied franchises, but he also became the first and only player from Belize to reach the Major Leagues.
That milestone turned him into a source of pride for Belizeans and baseball fans alike, especially those who rarely saw themselves reflected on the field.
Though Martinez's time in the MLB lasted just three seasons, his impact went far beyond the numbers.
Also read: Breaking: The oldest legend in Major League Baseball passes away—remembering the incredible journey of Art Schallock
Over 158 games, he recorded 18 home runs and left a mark on the Orioles’ roster.
But for many, it was what he represented—a breakthrough, a possibility, and proof that the sport is for everyone—that meant the most.
As with many athletes, the transition after professional sports wasn’t easy.
Source: X / @renmusb1.
Also read: Baseball in mourning: Fay Vincent's legacy as MLB commissioner through its toughest years
But Martinez found new purpose in family and faith, and most meaningfully, in passing on his love for the game.
Today, his legacy lives on through his children.
His son Drew works as a coach in the San Francisco Giants organization, while his other son, Dalton, is shaping young athletes as a high school baseball coach in Atlanta.
Chito Martinez’s life is a reminder of the joy baseball brings—and of the importance of representation, especially for those who come from places and backgrounds that aren’t always in the spotlight.
His story continues to inspire not only young athletes, but also anyone chasing a dream that once felt out of reach.
Read next: Mel Novak, Bruce Lee co-star in “Game of Death,” dies at 90—family shares cause
We send our deepest condolences to the Martinez family. If you have memories of Chito—whether a standout game, a personal encounter, or just the impact of his story—we invite you to share them in the comments. Let’s honor his legacy together, and remember a man who gave so much to the game and the people around him.
Chito Martinez, the first and only Belize native to play in Major League Baseball, has passed away at the age of 59 due to a heart attack.
His story wasn’t just about statistics—it was about perseverance, representation, and the power of breaking barriers.
Born in Belize—then known as British Honduras—Martinez moved to the United States with his family at just two years old.
They settled in New Orleans, where he discovered his love for baseball and quickly stood out as a natural on the field.
His time at Brother Martin High School cemented his reputation as a rising talent, and before long, professional scouts came calling.
Chito Martinez, the first and only MLB player from Belize, is remembered for his powerful swing and inspiring journey to the big leagues. Image Source: X / @Orioles.
Martinez's journey to the majors wasn’t a straight line.
Like many players, he spent time in the minor leagues, refining his skills and working hard to earn his spot.
In 1991, after a strong season in Triple-A Rochester, where he hit 20 home runs from April to July, he got the call that would change his life—an invitation to join the Baltimore Orioles.
His MLB debut that year made history. Not only was he joining one of baseball’s most storied franchises, but he also became the first and only player from Belize to reach the Major Leagues.
That milestone turned him into a source of pride for Belizeans and baseball fans alike, especially those who rarely saw themselves reflected on the field.
Though Martinez's time in the MLB lasted just three seasons, his impact went far beyond the numbers.
Also read: Breaking: The oldest legend in Major League Baseball passes away—remembering the incredible journey of Art Schallock
Over 158 games, he recorded 18 home runs and left a mark on the Orioles’ roster.
But for many, it was what he represented—a breakthrough, a possibility, and proof that the sport is for everyone—that meant the most.
As with many athletes, the transition after professional sports wasn’t easy.
Source: X / @renmusb1.
Also read: Baseball in mourning: Fay Vincent's legacy as MLB commissioner through its toughest years
But Martinez found new purpose in family and faith, and most meaningfully, in passing on his love for the game.
Today, his legacy lives on through his children.
His son Drew works as a coach in the San Francisco Giants organization, while his other son, Dalton, is shaping young athletes as a high school baseball coach in Atlanta.
Chito Martinez’s life is a reminder of the joy baseball brings—and of the importance of representation, especially for those who come from places and backgrounds that aren’t always in the spotlight.
His story continues to inspire not only young athletes, but also anyone chasing a dream that once felt out of reach.
Read next: Mel Novak, Bruce Lee co-star in “Game of Death,” dies at 90—family shares cause
We send our deepest condolences to the Martinez family. If you have memories of Chito—whether a standout game, a personal encounter, or just the impact of his story—we invite you to share them in the comments. Let’s honor his legacy together, and remember a man who gave so much to the game and the people around him.
