Pedro Martinez shares unusual hobby that helps him unwind — it’s not seeing the Yankees lose

Pedro Martínez: A Gardener at Heart

Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez has four kids and takes on the role of caretaker for the vibrant gardens at his homes in Miami, Georgia, and the Dominican Republic.

“I have three babies,” the 53-year-old former Boston Red Sox pitcher shared, referring to his beloved gardens.

“I try to care for them and keep everything looking beautiful,” he continued. “It’s like having a little girl—I want her to be happy all the time, so I’m always doing her hair and matching her clothes, things like that. It’s a calming experience for me; I really get into my zone.”

This reveals a different side of Martínez, who hung up his cleats in 2011 and now works as a studio analyst for TNT Sports.

Gone are the bench-clearing brawls and heckles from fans—now the focus has shifted to roses, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, and even the chickens and geese he cares for.

“Believe it or not, after 18 years in the big league, tending to my garden was a peaceful ritual before every game,” Martínez said.

“I’d go out and clean the flowers, trim the rose branches—something that truly brought me joy. It’s an unexpected connection, considering how fierce I was on the mound,” he added.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner credits his passion for gardening to his childhood in Manoguayabo, a village near Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

His mother, who loved gardening, used her hobby to keep him occupied. “I used to be this brave kid wanting to fight everyone,” Martínez recalled.

“Whenever I got upset, my mom would gently steer me toward the scissors, saying, ‘Here, cut this plant, or trim that one,'” he said.

For him, gardening has become akin to yoga—helping center him during the chaos of both playing and now broadcasting.

Surprisingly, Martínez has found more satisfaction in sharing his insights on air than he ever did as a pitcher. He recently received a contract extension from TNT Sports, which he views as a platform to “share my experiences” and “express myself.”

The man who once threw Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer to the ground during the 2003 ALCS has since learned to caution players against being “too tough” on others. “Sometimes we forget there’s a person behind that uniform.”

Having worn a Mets jersey from 2005 to 2008, Martínez once envisioned his Tudor Revival home in Greenwich, Connecticut, as a serene winter retreat. However, he left it behind after shifting away from New York.

“I never thought I’d return to New York for so many reasons,” he admitted, noting the surprising warmth he receives from fans during his visits.

“I assumed they hated me, but it turns out it was quite the opposite. I found a lot of love there, especially after I retired. Of course, during games, if I was on a roll against the Yankees, they weren’t too fond of me.”

And despite cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays as they eliminated the Yankees from the postseason recently, he still enjoys watching the games and the thrill of nature.