Once kicked out of Yankee Stadium, Nick Martinez returns to pitch Rays into AL Championship Series

Former Fordham University student Nick Martinez is set to return to Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, aiming to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to the AL Championship Series. Initially expelled from the iconic ballpark during his college years, Martinez will now attempt to pitch for the team that ousted him.

In May, Martinez shared a humorous anecdote about that memorable incident, stating, "We had practice get canceled and so my roommate and I went out pretty early. They were playing the Red Sox. Might have had a few too many adult beverages. Got kicked out. It was rowdy. We were kind of rowdy." However, his journey back to Yankee Stadium has been far from a one-way path.

Martinez spent three years playing for Fordham, a short distance from Yankee Stadium. His final trip to the stadium as a student featured an unforgettable evening, as he and his roommate watched the Red Sox game from the stands. Reflecting on those days, Martinez expressed, "Man, obviously playing here would be pretty badass."

This year, Martinez has earned the distinction of being a first-time All-Star after going 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA. His impressive performance earned him a $13 million, one-year deal with the Rays. As the Rays enter the AL Division Series with a 2-0 lead against the New York Yankees, Martinez seeks to capitalize on his return to the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium.