Designated hitter J.D. Martinez is the most feared slugger in Boston’s lineup after leading the Red Sox in virtually every major category during their romp through the American League East.
But for all of the success for the former member of the Corpus Christi Hooks, Martinez remembers struggles earlier in his career making him who he is.
Martinez told reporters during interviews before the Red Sox’ upcoming playoff series against Houston that he can’t forget his first three seasons in Houston. Included in his stint with the Astros, Martinez played parts of three seasons with the Hooks.
From 2011-13 with the Astros, Martinez hit 24 homers, drove in 126 runs and batted a combined .251 in 252 games.
In 2018 with the Red Sox, Martinez hammered 43 homers, drove in a league-leading 130 runs and hit .330 in 150 games.
Adam Wexler, a reporter from television station KPRC in Houston, reported that those early struggles in Houston are never far away for Martinez.
#RedSox JD Martinez today on his time w/ #Astros organization, how it shaped him, motivates him. "I think my failures in Houston is what made me who I am." #ALCS pic.twitter.com/RwASvWoyat
— Adam Wexler (@KPRC2AdamW) October 12, 2018
Martinez’s matchup with his former teammates is only one of many fascinating subplots in the upcoming series between the defending World Series champs and the Red Sox. Boston set a franchise record with 108 wins in 2018.
The series, which begins Saturday night, should be an interesting one. The Astros are gunning to become the first back-to-back American League champion since Kansas City in 2014-15.
Houston is aiming for its first consecutive league championships in the 57-season history of the franchise.
