"If batting is an evolving science, then (Edgar) Martinez represents its most-advanced stage of evolution. He’s the specialist, a designated hitter not bothered with the distraction of defense except during a few interleague games.


He performs eye exercises twice a day, for 45 minutes in the morning and then for 5 to 10 minutes, about 30 minutes before game time.

Martinez also bunts against those high-velocity balls. “After tracking a smaller ball going 150 miles and hour,” Martinez says,
“a baseball going 90 doesn’t seem so fast.”

“The condition of the body determines your ability to play the game,” he says, “and I want to be in the best condition possible.” Right up to and including his eyeballs. The man is a hitter.