Edgar: An Autobiography

I purchased this book solely because I enjoy reading baseball literature during the baseball season. I'm actually not a big fan of Edgar Martinez. I did not support his Hall of Fame candidacy because he was a DH. I would not have voted for Edgar Martinez if I were on the BBWAA (likewise, I do not support Harold Baines or David Ortiz's place in the baseball HOF). I also grew up watching NYM baseball my whole life, so I am a pure National Leaguer; I have no real memories of seeing Edgar Martinez play or hit since the Mets didn't play the Mariners.Still, I purchased this book, and I'm pleased with the decision. The writing is crisp, and the narrative is inspiring and motivating. Like Mariano Rivera, Pedro Martinez, and other Hispanic MLB players, Edgar's story is a rags to riches tale. He speaks of how he developed his skills by throwing stones in the air and swinging a stick. He also had a relatively late start; he entered the minor league system at age 20 and didn't really begin his MLB career until age 27. He also had to do a lot of eye exercises because he was cross-eyed. That Edgar could overcome all of those handicaps to become a successful major leaguer gives some value to the belief that anything is possible with hard work.Edgar has been described as a quiet, well-mannered gentleman. And it shows. Whereas some other baseball books (like Pedro Martinez's) don't hold back with the punches or profanity, Edgar doesn't snipe at anyone, doesn't use profanity, and doesn't disclose any juicy details or dramatic incidents. The closest he gets to that behavior is, maybe, when he describes a brief verbal altercation with Mariners general manager after the team got eliminated for the playoffs; but even that was tame. Edgar doesn't get too in-detail about friendships or enemies gained during his time as a baseball player either. For the most part, the book describes Edgar's straightforward journey in the major leagues, with an assortment of guest quotations that praise Edgar's career.It's a solid book for any baseball fan, not just Edgar Martinez fans or Seattle Mariners fans.

It was an interesting read, start to finish. Edgar writes like he talks, very precise, with great depth to his thoughts. I found out things about Edgar that I was unaware of, and was overwhelmed with his devotion to the Mariners. I also learned of his great respect and friendship with Jay Buhner, I would have thought it would have been Junior! Baseball lost a great hitter when Edgar left the game, but as he said, it was time to move on with his life.

Just like Edgar, this book tells the real down to earth story of the birth, dreams and development of a genuine Hall of Fame baseball player. From his efforts and circumstances as a child, to his work ethic as a Major League Baseball player and to the baseball Hall of Fame, Edgar describes in superb detail how it happened and how he did it. A must read book for every baseball fan!

Edgar Martinez is the the one of the best human beings to come up and talk to. I would welcome him to a family dinner.Otherwise, I’d go to that dinner, if he invited me.

I bought this book for my son who has been a baseball fan (and player) all his life. He loved the book. He also just went to Cooperstown to see Edgar inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July.

I knew Edgar Martinez was a great ballplayer. I didn't know how hard he worked to get there. Well worth reading, and an outstanding job by co-author Larry Stone.

This book is well-written and inspirational. Edgar Martinez is clearly a talented and thoughtful athlete, and he has chosen an equally talented co-writer.

Great book. Very interesting and informativeWho could not love Edgar?