Q&A with Richie Martin

With the first pick of the Rule 5 Draft in December of 2018, the Orioles selected infielder Richie Martin from the Oakland Athletics. Originally drafted by the Athletics in the first round (No. 20 overall) of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft, Martin burst into Birdland, becoming a key contributor in the Orioles infield. Orioles Magazine connected with the speedy 25-year-old shortstop to learn more about one of the newer faces in Baltimore.

You made your Major League debut on Opening Day of 2019 at Yankee Stadium. How did it feel to finally get that opportunity and be able to do so at that ballpark?
It meant a lot. It was cool that my family was able to come out – my sister was up there, my dad flew out, and a few friends from high school came. It was cool to enjoy it with them. The fact that it was Yankee Stadium – you can’t beat Yankee Stadium.

What has been the best part of being in the Major Leagues?
Obviously, you just get treated completely different up here. There are so many amenities and things here for you to get ready for the game. Whether it’s the food, the clothes, the field – everything is just there for you to do your job.

What were your initial thoughts when the Orioles picked you with the first selection in the Rule 5 Draft?
I didn’t know what was going to happen. I didn’t know if I was going to get picked or what. I was playing with Oakland for three years, so I thought I was going back to Oakland. So, to be given this opportunity is pretty cool.

Being a new face in an organization can be challenging – was it a bit easier coming into Spring Training last year knowing that the coaching staff and a lot of players were also new?
If it was the same staff or new staff, I would’ve approached it the same way. Everyone here has been very welcoming. The older guys that have been here – the vets – and a lot of the younger guys, we have a nice chemistry in the locker room where everyone gets along. Everyone is just out here trying to do their job and win.

How would you describe this group of teammates?
I would say it’s a good mix – there are a lot of younger guys and there’s a good mix of the older guys. It’s not one-sided. Everyone is taking care of each other. From the pitchers to the position players, there’s no gap. The Latin players and the American players – there is no gap whatsoever. I think that’s the way a team should be.

Your grandfather played with Jackie Robinson in the Negro Leagues. How did it feel wearing the iconic “42” for Jackie Robinson Day last season, and what did it mean to you and your family to be able to honor his legacy?
It was really, really cool. I felt really proud because I’ve watched Jackie Robinson Day on TV for the past 10 years, so it was cool to actually be a part of it. Knowing that my grandfather played with him made it a little extra special.

What’s been your favorite part of Baltimore so far?
We have a good city of fans. Whether we’re playing well or not, it seems like they’re always out supporting no matter how we’re doing. I know it’s been tough in the beginning, but hopefully we can keep the process going and put out a good product for them to come out and enjoy.

Do you have any pregame rituals?
Not really – I just do the same thing every day. I’m pretty boring when it comes to that.

What’s on your perfect pizza?
I’m different – it depends on what time of mood I’m in. Some days I’ll get a regular cheese, and other days I’ll get the works with sausage, pepperoni, peppers, and everything else. It just depends. My go-to would just be pepperoni.

What are some of your interests outside of baseball?
I love video games, and I like math. I play video games half the day other than baseball, before and after coming to the ballpark. Math was my favorite subject. I studied civil engineering [at the University of Florida]. I have 30 credits left, but hopefully I’ll never have to go back to school. If I do, then I’ll go finish my degree.

This story was originally published in the 2019 Second Edition of Orioles Magazine. Birdland Insider features original content from Orioles Magazine, including new articles and stories from our archives.