Chito Martinez, the first and only Major League Baseball player born in Belize, passed away following a heart attack on April 20, 2025, at 59 in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi.
The Baltimore Orioles confirmed the tragic news. He was married to Millie, and they had three children.
Highlights
- Chito Martinez married Millie in 2013 and had three children: Drew, Dalton, and Emily.
- Drew is the Eugene Emeralds’ fundamentals coach, and Dalton is the Georgia State hitting coach.
- He had two stepchildren, Chris and Sean Cortes.
Reyenaldo Ignacio “Chito” Martínez never reached the major leagues while playing minor league baseball for the Kansas City Royals organization.
The Baltimore organization signed him in the winter of 1990, and he had the most home runs in the International League by July 1991. Later, he was promoted from the Class AAA Rochester Red Wings to the Orioles.
He played three seasons with the Orioles and became the first Orioles player to record a hit in each of his first six MLB games.
Sadly, he quickly faded away after his power dropped dramatically in 1992. Before he left the major leagues in 1993, he made eight appearances.
His untimely passing saddened the baseball community; many remembered him in their heartfelt posts.
Yesterday, we were saddened by the loss of former Crusader baseball star Reyenaldo “Chito” Martinez ’84. Chito was a member of the 1984 State Championship Team as well as the 1983 American Legion final four team. Martinez was drafted in the 1984 Major League Baseball Draft by the Kansas City Royals. He later spent three seasons in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles, where he played 158 games in his three seasons. He always remembered where he came from, constantly willing to share his wealth of knowledge regarding the game of baseball to future generations Crusader Baseball Players. We pray for Chito’s family during this difficult time and we ask that God watches over him and his family.
Brother Martin Baseball
Chito Martinez’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
The baseball world mourns the loss of Chito Martínez, who passed away unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack.
His journey in the major leagues inspired countless young athletes in his homeland and beyond. Though his MLB career was brief, his legacy as a pioneer for Belizean sports remains unparalleled.
Chito emigrated to New Orleans with his family at age two and helped his father, who sold air conditioning services.
He quickly captured the attention of baseball and became a fan favorite for his clutch-hitting and humble demeanor.
As a ballplayer myself growing up, I never had his talent but I always looked up to him.
Chito’s brother, Robbie Martinez
They called Chito ‘Mex’ and called me ‘Little Mex.’ He introduced me to baseball. I worshipped those guys in 1983 and 1984 at Brother Martin. Even more, he taught me about life, about how to be a dad, about golf, above and beyond baseball.
Off the field, Chito was a devoted family man, known for his kindness, work ethic, and unwavering faith. He married Millie in 2013 and had three children: Drew, Dalton, and Emily.
Drew played college baseball at the University of Memphis, and the Los Angeles Angels selected him in the 10th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.
He is the fundamentals coach of the Eugene Emeralds, the San Francisco Giants’ High-A affiliate.
On the other hand, Dalton played college baseball at Southern Polytechnic State University and serves as the hitting coach at Georgia State.
Emily lives in Hawaii.
Chito’s wife, Millie; three children, Drew, Dalton, and Emily; mother, Ola Varela and her husband, Larry Thomas; sister Anna Martinez Tomes; and two stepchildren, Chris and Sean Cortes, survive him.
His sister, Anna, played softball at UNO.
Chito was a great husband, father, and brother. He attended every game he could for his children.
He remained active in his community, mentoring young players and supporting baseball development programs.
He would come back to school and talk to our kids and his knowledge was amazing. We have his jersey and playing cards in our trophy case. He came out of his shell and talked a lot and shared so much wisdom. He was always the same, a consistent person and player. We will truly miss him.
Brother Martin’s coach Barry Hebert
Ramiro Cortes, a friend of Chito and Millie, started a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise $ 20,000.
The Martinez family announced Chito’s funeral service at Coleman Funeral Home in Southaven, Mississippi, this Friday, April 25.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the funeral at noon. His burial will be at Autumn Woods in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Chito Martinez’s legacy extends far beyond the diamond. He was a trailblazer, a role model, and a loving husband and father. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he inspired.
Rest In Peace, Coach Chito Martinez
Additional Information
- Chito Martinez was part of a special team that won the 1983 Louisiana and Mid-South region American Legion championships and advanced to the World Series.
- He was the Louisiana American Legion Player of the Year and led Brother Martin to the 1984 LHSAA Class 4A state baseball championship.
