Martinez, a superb fielder, blasted historic World Series homers for the Yankees in 1998 (off Padres pitcher Mark Langston in Game 1) and 2001 (off D-backs pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim in Game 4). Martinez has the fourth highest OPS among Yankees first basemen, barely ahead of Mattingly's.830. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Martinez made his major league debut on April 17, 1997 vs. the Red Sox when he came off the bench to replace Mattingly. He went 3 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs. The Yankees lost that game 7-6 in 11 innings. In 1998, Martinez started 91 games at first base and batted.273 with 26 HRs and 89 RBIs. That year the Yankees finished with a record of 102-60 and won their second consecutive World Series title. During that series against the Padres, Martinez hit.545 (15 for 28) with five runs scored, two doubles, one homer, and 10 RBIs. In 1999, Martinez played only 77 games due to injuries. He returned in 2000 and 2001 and had another great season in 2001 when he hit.443 (76 for 169) with 22 HRs and 69 RBIs. That year the Yankees finished with a record of 100-58 and defeated the D-backs in seven games in the ALCS before defeating the Mets in five games in the World Series.