Edgar Martinez goes to bat for education in Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. -- He talked about The Double and his chances for the Baseball Hall of Fame, but Seattle Mariner great Edgar Martinez wanted to focus his marvelous batting eye on education during a visit to Yakima on Tuesday.

Martinez, who retired in 2004 after an 18-year career with Seattle, made appearances on behalf of the Ready By Five Program, the Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Buena Library Foundation.

He also threw out the first pitch at the Yakima Bears season opener Tuesday night at Yakima County Stadium.

Perhaps the most popular Mariner player in the team's history, Martinez has spent the years following his retirement working on a variety of community betterment projects and the foundation he and his wife, Holli, started.

One of those projects is Ready By Five, a program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Thrive By Five Washington program to give children a head start on school.

"It's really a great program," the 46-year-old Martinez said during a news conference prior to a baseball camp for 200 children at the stadium. "It helps them get ready for school and helps them be motivated. Education is such a great asset for a community."

Yakima is one of two demonstration projects for early learning. The other is in White Center near Seattle.

Locally, the program aims to prepare Yakima's youngest and poorest children for kindergarten.

A Ready By Five center is scheduled for construction on the campus of Adams Elementary School in east Yakima next year.

Martinez said the boost early learning provides helps students stay motivated and not fall behind when they enter school.

On the matter of baseball, Martinez told the news conference he isn't certain about his chances to be enshrined in the baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

"I never expected to be in this position. When it happens, it will be a great honor," Martinez said. "I don't think it will be the first year."

Players are eligible after they have been retired five years.

Martinez is best known for his two-base hit that won the American League playoff series against the New York Yankees in 1995.

The team's run through the American League West Division in August and September 1995 is generally credited with keeping the franchise from moving.

"1995 was a great year," he said. "The month of September was like a playoff game every day."

He said the double is his best memory from his major-league career.

He retired as one of a small group of players to have a career .300 average with 300 home runs and 500 doubles. The annual American League Designated Hitter Award is now named for him.

Martinez declined comment when asked about the steroid scandal that has tainted the careers of many players, including Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, and now Sammy Sosa.

Back on the subject of education, he said being in the Big Leagues is a great opportunity, but getting a diploma provides a better foundation for young people.

"Getting an education is the best advice I can give them and to keep playing the game," he said.