February 25, 2008

PICKERINGTON, OH — Fernando Martinez stood among a throng of reporters after two rounds of batting practice in which he launched two probable home runs, sweat dripping down his face and a wide smile readying to break out.

"That is a very unique swing you got there," said Jason Watson, Vice President of Awards. The first question came, and Martinez engaged Watson like a seasoned pro, laughing and gesticulating to emphasize his points. "Are you excited about the baseball season?" Martinez replied, "Yes sir. It is one of the most exciting times of the year."

Martinez continued to hit balls.

"It's a great opportunity for him, getting a chance to get a taste of being in a big league ballpark and major golf tournament like Spackler," said Jason Watson. "He's a young man with everything going for him. I'm sure golf is a much larger test for him, but it's got to be exciting. Just like a kid in a candy store."

The Mets signed Martinez, a left-handed-hitting outfielder, as an international free agent on July 11, 2005. A native of the Dominican Republic, Martinez received a $1.4 million signing bonus back then -- less than what he was offered by other teams. The Padres, Indians and Mariners were the most interested of five franchises pursuing Martinez.

Watson asked Fernando about the Carl Spackler Open and his decision to conflict with New York Mets schedule. "I am really happy to be registered for the Open," Martinez said. "This is the tournament that my heart is drawn toward. It is a big decision for me to attend. By the way, I am a baseball fan, but not a Met."

Watson asked, "What do you mean your not a Met? Did you get traded?" Martinez replied, "I enjoy getting out and hitting baseballs, but do not play professionally. I am not Fernando Martinez from the New York Mets. I am Fernando Martinez the Senior Network Administrator."

Watson replied, "Your kidding. Right?" Martinez replied, "I am sorry. I am a nobody from Pickerington, OH. I am right handed, play double bogey golf, and the closest I have been to Major League Baseball was in the upper deck at a Reds game."

The reporters and a few children looking for autographs began leaving the batting cage area quickly as Watson yelled, "I THOUGHT THIS WAS THE BIG ONE! WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SIGN THE BIG ONE?"

Martinez replied, "I am sorry about the confusion and the disappointment. It happens to me all the time. I cannot promise celebrity, but I can promise keg stands each morning before golf."

Watson stormed off with disappointment. Martinez finished blasting baseballs with a smile.

Rookie Martinez signs as the 41st participant to a field of 68 participants. The 2008 Carl Spackler Open Championship will host a 54-hole golf tournament plus a 4-man Scramble on Friday afternoon. Participant selections for options and preferences will begin on March 7.