{
  "id": 12600226,
  "title": "Once kicked out of Yankee Stadium, Nick Martinez returns to pitch Rays into AL Championship Series",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/once-kicked-out-of-yankee-stadium-nick-martinez-returns-to-pitch-rays",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T10:01:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/baseball/2026/10/07/once-kicked-out-of-yankee-stadium-nick-martinez-returns-to-pitch-rays-into-al-championship-series"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nIn 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.\n\nMartinez 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.\"\n\nThis 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.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Nick Martinez returns to pitch for Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium.",
    "Former Fordham University student expelled from Yankee Stadium as student.",
    "Martinez earns $13 million, one-year deal with Rays."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}