Martínez followed brother’s lead, learned English early

Before Pedro Martínez became a multiple-time Cy Young award winner, he was a young kid in the Dominican Republic trying to follow his older brother, Ramon, into the Dodgers’ baseball academy. Ramon ensured that Pedro would not only develop his baseball skills but his speaking skills as well. 

Pedro took advantage of the opportunity and while he assisted the academy on a nearly full-time basis, he also dedicated himself to learning English, something that would serve him well throughout his career in the majors.