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Former Pirates catcher Russell Martin officially retires from MLB

Martin is best known for his Wild Card home run against the Reds

 Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) waits for a new ball after giving up a home run to Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin (background left) in the second inning of the National League wild card playoff baseball game at PNC Park.
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) waits for a new ball after giving up a home run to Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin (background left) in the second inning of the National League wild card playoff baseball game at PNC Park.
© Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The man who provided one of the most memorable moments in recent Pirates history his officially hanging up his cleats.

Catcher Russell Martin announced on Saturday that he is retiring. Martin, who played his last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019, made the announcement on Instagram.


"After 14 years in the [MLB] I am officially retiring from professional baseball.
Timeless memories that I will cherish forever," said Martin.

The four-time All-Star began his career with the Dodgers then signed with the New York Yankees before signing with the Pirates on a two-year $17 million deal.

Known for his solid defense, Martin batted .256 over his two-years in Pittsburgh with 26 home runs.

But the home run Martin is most well-known for in Pittsburgh is the solo shot he had in the second inning of the 2013 Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Reds.

In the famous at bat, over 40,000 Pirates fans chanted "Cue-to" over and over again rattling the Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto. He dropped the ball and had to walk off the mound to pick it up.

The very next pitch, Martin took Cueto deep to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead.

Martin would hit another home run in the 7th inning to help give the Pirates a 6-2 victory.

Martin parlayed his success in Pittsburgh into a five-year, $82 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, before going back to Los Angeles for his last season with the Dodgers.

Martin says now that he's retired he is going to focus more on his golf game.

Martin is best known for his Wild Card home run against the Reds