Hall of Fame election day can be an exhilarating or deflating experience for known candidates. On Tuesday night, MLB Network Presents will give us rare access and a unique perspective of the highs, lows, anxieties, anticipation and, for those so honored, the joys that go into those surreal and special moments with the premiere of Hall of Fame Pitchers: Smoltz & Pedro.
Hosted once again by Bob Costas, the fourth installment of MLB Network's new documentary series will provide an in-depth look at the life-changing phone calls received by John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez, who were both informed of their election into the Baseball Hall of Fame along with Craig Biggo and Randy Johnson back on Jan. 6, as well as the aftermath.
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Based on the press release, it sounds like the cameras were able to pick up some remarkable footage, especially when Martinez returned home to the Dominican Republic.
The program begins with a behind-the-scenes look at Martinez’s election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, including the moment he got the call and the enormous celebration in his native Dominican Republic with fans and family. Using highlights from 18 hours of exclusive footage, the episode features Martinez’s trip to New York immediately following the election announcement, and the hero’s welcome he received upon arriving at the Dominican Republic’s Aeropuerto Internacional Las Americas, about which Martinez says, “After I hugged my mom and my brother and I told them, ‘Mission accomplished,’ it was like, ‘This is a party now.’”
In what will likely be the coolest feature on the show, a camera was along with Martinez as he traveled the streets of his hometown, Manoguayabo, during a parade thrown in his honor. Also included will be Martinez's trip to the National Palace to meet with Danilo Medina, the President of the Dominican Republic.
For all his accomplishments on the field, which are rightfully being recognized and acknowledged, these are monumental moments in his Martinez's life that he likely never imagined would happen, let alone be shared with the world. The emotions involved should be off the charts.
Another segment will feature MLB Network host and play-by-play man Matt Vasgersian sitting down with his colleague and new Hall of Famer John Smoltz for a one-on-one interview record at Foley’s New York Pub and Restaurant in New York City. Among the topic covered will be Smoltz's reputation as a big-game pitcher, his transition from All-Star starter to All-Star closer and then back again, and also how he envisions his speech going in July.
As in past episodes, this sounds like 60 minutes well spent. Especially for those of us counting down the weeks, days and even hours until spring training.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
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