Boston is a city that has seen both legends and legacies last. From fastballs slicing through Fenway’s autumn air to parades rolling along the Charles, it has long been a stage where greatness meets gratitude. And this weekend, the spotlight was not on a pitcher’s mound, but rather on a commencement stage. Amid the familiar cheers stood the legend underneath the tassels and robes of Fisher College’s 121st Undergraduate Commencement.

But this time, the applause is not just for a World Series win. It is for something bigger. The value that transcends through sports– one that shapes communities, builds morale, and embodies service.

The legendary player in conversation is Pedro Martinez. The Dominican-American pitcher whose name is inscribed in the rich tapestry of baseball history. Renowned for his blazing fastball and unwavering determination, Martinez’s career is a testament to excellence. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, an eight-time All-Star, and a key player in the Boston Red Sox’s 2004 World Series win—their first in 86 years. Over 2,827.1 innings pitched, his career numbers are astounding: 219 wins versus 100 losses, a 2.93 ERA, and 3,154 strikeouts.

Decades after dominating from the mound, he stands facing the crowd to claim a much-deserved honor. In recognition of his societal contributions, Fisher College awarded him and his wife honorary doctorates in humane letters.

Fisher College bestowed Pedro and Carolina with honorary doctorates in humane letters to acknowledge their steadfast dedication to improving communities. In response, Pedro shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram handle. With a caption, “Today was a special day for me celebrating the Class of 2025 at Fisher College and to be given an honorary doctorate for the work we do with our foundation. 🥹🎓Congratulations, graduates! Keep thriving, growing, and always remember where you came from. This is a moment I’ll never forget. Thank you so much! Dr. Pedro… has a nice ring to it, right? 🙏🏾💙”

To understand his legacy, one must step back a few years to 1998. That year, the legend and his wife, Carolina Cruz Martínez, co-founded the Pedro Martínez Foundation. Together, they spearheaded the construction of a community center in the Dominican Republic, which has since impacted the lives of over 100,000 children. Their work didn’t stop there— they also launched sports and education programs in underserved neighborhoods across the Bronx, Boston, and Lawrence, Massachusetts.

In addition, the college ensured that the Pedro Martinez Foundation’s objective would continue to thrive by creating a $5,000 scholarship to help them. Fisher College President Steve Rich also praised the efforts. He said, “Pedro and Carolina Cruz Martinez are showing the world what great things can be accomplished through hard work and selfless dedication to others.”

And now, Pedro Martinez continues to impact academics and baseball. While celebrating academic achievements, the Red Sox legend offered his piercing thoughts on Yankees slugger Aaron Judge‘s changing ability.

Pedro Martinez lauds Aaron Judge’s confidence 

There’s a saying that players might leave sports, but they can see the potential from miles away. And Hall of Fame pitcher and Boston Red Sox veteran Pedro Martinez did it. Lately, he has focused on the amazing development of New York Yankees’ slugger, Aaron Judge. Known for his sharp analytical eye, he said, “This is not the same Aaron Judge I saw last year. Now he’s confidently going to the opposite field, and it shows in his average. He’s more mature, has improved, and looks better than ever.”

The numbers support Martinez’s evaluation, and they are not only anecdotal. Judge, who has an incredible .396 batting average as of early May 2025, tops the American League in several offensive stats, including home runs and RBIs. His capacity to hit in all areas has made him a more erratic and stronger batter, complicating pitchers’ ability to locate a safe zone against him.

A slight but significant change in Judge’s batting posture explains the change in his method. He enhanced his balance and timing by closing his front leg placement, removing his former inclination to rip off pitches. Over the next year, Judge’s .369 hitting average, 63 home runs, and 158 RBIs have produced remarkable outcomes from this shift.

Martinez’s acknowledgment of Judge’s development emphasizes the slugger’s rise to a new echelon of hitting ability. Judge’s change is a beacon of optimism for the Yankees on their road to October prominence. It is a clear warning for rival clubs: Aaron Judge has changed and is now more lethal than ever.