Just as in 99 other occasions, Osvaldo Martinez walked off the field feeling pretty good about having just earned another victory for the Sinon Bulls.
But Friday's 3-0 win over the President Lions was a special one because the Dominican fireballer became only the second pitcher in Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) history to record his 100th win with seven solid innings of four-hit ball to clinch the win.
The nine-year veteran righty, who began his CPBL career with the Bulls in 1997, reached the 100-victory plateau in 2,957 days (eight years and 29 days), faster than the other man to have broken the two-digit barrier in wins -- former Lions great and current manager Hsieh Chang-hern's 3,661-day mark (10 years and eight days).
PHOTO: CPBL
Since breaking into the league with a 14-7 record in 1997, Martinez has collected 11 more victories in seven of his eight previous seasons.
Unlike most foreign pitchers who usually last for fewer than three seasons in the CPBL, Martinez has managed to remain competitive in his long Taiwanese tenure, let alone being with the same club.
Besides a blazing fastball that consistently hits the mid 140s (kmh), his assortment of breaking balls and off-speed pitches, as well as an outstanding ability to get ahead in the count have been the main reason why hitters around the league continue to have trouble figuring Martinez out.
Martinez believes that his secret to success is plain and simple.
"There is only one way to remain competitive as a professional athlete, which is to keep on working hard to improve your game," Martinez said. "That's the approach that I've taken here."
His exceptional work ethic has also influenced those around him.
"It's been a pleasure to watch Martinez mature as pitcher in the times that I've worked with him," Bulls' catcher Yeh Jun-chang said. "His tremendous self discipline and willingness to study the hitters have really made all of us better players."
Yeh has been Martinez's partner behind the plate for the past five seasons.
About to turn 30 next month, Martinez will have plenty of time to add to his impressive victory total. And hitters around the league will have to remain patient and hopeful when facing this dominant thrower who calls Taiwan his second home.
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