Pedro excited to join Red Sox on return trip to Dominican

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- The flood of emotions that young Red Sox stars Rafael Devers and Brayan Bello are going to feel while wearing their Major League uniforms for the first time in their native country this weekend is something that Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez knows all about.

In the spring of 2000, Martinez, at the height of his powers at that point, experienced the same thrills and chills when the Sox played one exhibition game against the Astros in Santo Domingo.

Nearly a quarter century later, there was joy in Martinez’s voice as he discussed what it will be like for not just Devers and Bello, but all the players on the Red Sox and Rays for the two-game MLB Dominican Republic Series.

And you should know that Martinez won’t be missing out on the fun either. He will represent the Red Sox on this trip and throw out the ceremonial first pitch with fellow legend and former teammate David Ortiz prior to Saturday’s opening game.

“It is really special to have your family members and other [acquaintances] get to see a big league team and also see you as part of the team,” Martinez said. “To me, the time I had the opportunity to go there and also pitch over there was a was a moment of joy, a moment of pride for the entire city, for the people.”

Because he was on a specific schedule for his ramp-up to Opening Day in 2000, Martinez was limited to one inning. For that same reason, Bello won’t pitch in either of the two games.

As far as Martinez is concerned, that shouldn’t take anything away from Bello’s experience. In fact, Bello will have a different kind of joy as his family attends a news conference on Saturday in which the 24-year-old discusses his six-year, $55 million contract extension for the first time.

“Though Bello is not pitching, the fact that he's going to be there and they're going get to see him in uniform being introduced is going to be great,” said Martinez, who has served as Bello’s mentor for years.

Martinez, who has never been shy about discussing his impoverished upbringing, knows full well how rare it is for Dominican fans to have a chance see Dominican players perform live after they’ve made it to the Major Leagues. In the mind of the three-time Cy Young Award winner, that should resonate with Devers and Bello.

“People that probably would never have an opportunity to see you in the big league uniform in real life actually get a chance to see their product,” Martinez said. “So it is a different feeling. It's not so much about what you're going to do in the game, which sometimes might be one inning or two innings, but it's just allowing the people to see you on your home ground, where you grew up. Just the opportunity to bring in family members or people that probably will never travel to the States and see you in that big league uniform is amazing.”

If Martinez could give Devers and Bello one piece of advice, it would be to soak in the weekend to the fullest with their loved ones.

“I just hope that they really take care of themselves and give their family members the full opportunity to see them in a big league uniform,” Martinez said. “Like I said, it's a moment of pride. The entire Dominican Republic is going to be eyeballing their product, their golden kids.”

It is Martinez’s sincere hope that all the Red Sox players who make the trip gain perspective from this weekend’s journey.

“Well, I think they're going to play the same game they play in the States, but they're going to get a reality check about the true meaning of loving the game and why we are so passionate and proud to be baseball players,” Martinez said. “They’re going to see how hard it must have been for us to get from where we’re from to get to the big leagues. I think that is the most important thing for this team. I think this team needs to realize how fortunate they are for the opportunity to get to the Major Leagues compared to where we come from.”

Martinez also made note of how this weekend’s venue, Estadio Quisqueya, differs from what American players are accustomed to.

“They’re going to see that a Minor League field in [the United States] is nicer than the one we play professional ball in the Dominican,” Martinez said. “It’s going to be interesting. I can't wait to see the response of the guys.”