Feliz Cumpleaños to El Presidente!

I normally don't pay attention to birthdays, mine, or almost anyone else outside those of my wife and kids. But this morning I saw a quick blurb on the Spanish language TV station that today was Dennis Martinez' big day. Since he's one of my very favorite players I thought I'd just put up some Martinez items I've posted in the past.

I feel a kinship with him for reasons I've mentioned in the past and 'meeting' him, however briefly, at Minute Maid Park a few years ago was special to me.

• 4-time All-Star (1990–1992, 1995)
• Twice Top 10 Cy Young Award (1981, 1991)
• Led league in wins (1981)
• Led league in ERA (1991)
• Led league in shutouts (1991)
• 6-time Top 10 in shutouts (1979, 1981, 1990, 1994–1996)
• Led league in games started, innings pitched and batters faced (1979)
• 9-time pitched 220 or more innings in a season (1978–1979, 1982, 1988–1993)
• Set record for most wins by a Latin American pitcher (244 – August 9, 1998)
• Pitched the 13th perfect game in baseball history (July 28, 1991) with the Montreal Expos

Member Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

Happy Birthday indeed, El Presidente!