Pedro Martinez is speaking out to raise awareness and implore Major League Baseball to protect players at academies in the Dominican Republic.
MLB facilities for the St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers in the Dominican Republic have been victims of armed robberies.
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“This has become really dangerous,” Martinez said, via Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. “It’s become alarming and concerning, not to just MLB, but all of us. We send our kids to these academies, feel like they’re protected, and things are happening.
“I don’t know what is happening, or what is leading to this, but it needs to be stopped by the authorities in the Dominican Republic quickly so it does not escalate,” the Hall of Fame pitcher said. “MLB needs to also get involved to give more protection for these kids and those who work in the academies.”
The Tigers’ complex was the latest victim, targeted last Wednesday. According to the Associated Press, men entered the complex with guns to steal valuables and cash from players.
This was days after the Cardinals complex was robbed. There, five men entered and bound and gagged a security guard before stealing from players and staff members.
“This never used to happen when I was back in the academy in the Dominican with the Dodgers,” Martinez said, via Nightengale. “We didn’t come from anything. There was not one player who was middle or upper class. But because we played baseball, we were spoiled. We were treated like royalty. We were untouchable.
“We came from the same areas, the same ghettos as the people that are robbing these players. No one touched us. I don’t know what’s going on, but it needs to be addressed.”
Bridget Hyland may be reached at [email protected]
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