Tino Martinez was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 1988 and played for Coach Lou Pinella, who was a close friend of his father. Although he had several average seasons, he finally excelled in 1995 and helped his team to their first post play divisional championship against the New York Yankees. Because of his outstanding play during the series and his spectacular season, the Yankees traded for Tino to replace retired team captain Don Mattingly at first base.

The Yankees won the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Tino helped the Yankees build their modern dynasty of the twenty-first century. However, the dynasty ended as quickly as it had started when, in 2001, they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. After the 2001 season, Tino left for St. Louis and the Yankees acquired Jason Giambi. Tino replaced the aging Mark McGuire in St. Louis.

After two years, Tino was traded to Tampa Bay when St. Louis moved Albert Pujols from left field to first base. Martinez was once again reunited with Coach Lou Pinnella, who was now the coach of the Devil Rays. This tour of duty was short lived, as he again joined the New York Yankees in 2005.

This was to be his last season, as the Yankees declined his 3 million dollar option. Fortunately for Tino, he had an ace up his sleeve. He decided to end his baseball career and start a new ESPN Broadcasting career. Tino played for seven years on the Yankees, driving in 739 runs and 192 home runs. The Yankees honored him by awarding him the 2007 Pride of the Yankees Award at the 2007 homecoming banquet.