Meet Pedro Martinez Thursday in Framingham

Hall of Fame legend and former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez will be in Framingham Thursday to sign copies of his new book.

Martinez will be at The Paper Store from 7 to 9 p.m. in support of his new book, Pedro. The book will be released to the public today, May 5.

Martinez, who grew up in the Dominican Republic, worked as a mechanic and practiced pitching with oranges in his spare time as an adolescent.

Years later, his accomplishments would include ending his major league career with a World Series ring with the Red Sox, earning three Cy Young awards, being named a MLB all-star 8 times, and this past January he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

He started his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos, but was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 1997. At the time, Martinez was offered the largest contract ever awarded to a pitcher.

In 2004, after countless accomplishments and achievements, Martinez’s pitching greatly contributed to the first World Series win by the Boston Red Sox in 86 years.

At the end of his stay with the Boston Red Sox, he finished with a 117-37 record, which continues to be the highest winning percentage of any pitcher with any team in baseball history.

Martinez would continue his pitching career with the New York Mets in 2005 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009.

Having announced his retirement in 2011, he joined the Boston Red Sox as a special assistant to Ben Cherington.

When inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Martinez said he will feature a Boston Red Sox cap on his plaque to honor Red Sox Nation.

A purchase of the book at The Paper Store is required to attend the Pedro Martinez book signing event on Thursday.

At the time of purchase, customers will receive a ticket that grants them entrance into the line on May 7.

• The Paper Store says the line forms no earlier than 6 pm, and tickets are required to enter the line.
• Books may also be purchased in line on May 7 by those who did not purchase one prior, which will grant instant access to the event.
  
• However, having a ticket does not guarantee that a book will be signed, as the event is still first-come, first-serve.
• Finally, there will be a limit of five books per customer, and no memorabilia will be signed at the event.
• Photographs with Martinez may also be limited at the signing.