{
  "id": 14603477,
  "title": "Pedro Martínez Called His Coach “My White Daddy”",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/pedro-martinez-called-his-coach-my-white-daddy",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-15T03:17:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pedro-mart-nez-called-coach-031727554.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pedro Martínez, the iconic baseball player, had a unique and profound relationship with his former bullpen coach, Guy Conti. The Hall of Famer affectionately referred to Conti as \"my white daddy,\" a nickname that highlighted a bond far deeper than a standard player-coach dynamic. Conti, who was born on March 9, 1942, in Pittsburgh, started his career playing college baseball before briefly catching for the Houston Astros' team. He later pursued a degree and returned to coaching, transitioning from football and basketball to professional ranks. His journey eventually led him to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he formed a friendship with Sandy Koufax and worked with promising young pitchers like Ismael Valdez. Conti's influence extended beyond the locker room, as he played a pivotal role in shaping Pedro Martínez's career. When Willie Randolph hired Conti as the bullpen coach for the Mets in 2005, he assisted the future Hall of Famer in honing his skills while learning English. This mentorship significantly contributed to transforming Martínez's raw talent into a dominant force. Conti's impact was not limited to the game; he also became a father figure for Martínez, helping him navigate the challenges of adapting to a new country. His influence continued even after his tenure as a bullpen coach, as he moved into advisory roles within the organization. Conti passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 84, after a long battle with illness. The baseball world mourned the loss of a true fixture, acknowledging that his contributions reached far beyond statistics and wins. His ability to connect with players, instilling confidence and shaping careers, made his legacy truly irreplaceable.",
  "summary": "Guy Conti, the Mets bullpen coach who taught Pedro Martínez English, died at 84. Learn the surprising bond between the pitcher and his mentor.",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}