Among Edgar Martinez’ virtues as a hitting technician with the sweetest of swings, none stood out more than his patience.
He had the discipline to take a first-pitch strike, and two strikes didn’t faze him. Martinez knew that as long as a bat was in his hands, there was a chance – a good chance – he would make solid contact.
Patience, the consistent ability to resist temptation, is not an attribute that puts star athletes on the covers of magazines and cereal boxes. Aggression, even it leads to recklessness, is more intriguing. But Martinez’ patience defined every aspect of a career stalled by his prolonged apprenticeship at Triple-A Calgary.