Dodgers C Martin returns to Canada

Jun 19, 2007 - 11:00 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is making a triumphant homecoming.

Martin, who leads National League catchers in voting for the All-Star game, will play in his native country for the first time as a major leaguer on Tuesday when Los Angeles opens a three-game interleague series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

The 24-year-old Canadian leads all NL catchers in runs scored (40), RBI (41), stolen bases (11), walks (25), hits (66), slugging percentage (.450) and on-base percentage (.356).

"I knew we were going to be going to Toronto so right off the bat I was really excited to play at home in front of the home fans," Martin said.

Born in East York, Ontario, Martin spent two years in Paris from age 8-10 before returning to play high school baseball at Polyvalente Edouard-Montpetit High School in Montreal, the same school attended by former teammate and current Texas Rangers closer Eric Gagne.

"I don't know exactly how I'm going to feel yet when I'm out there on the field in front of the Canadian fans," Martin said. "It's going to be a good time for sure and I have a lot of family and friends here so it will be a lot of fun."

Martin, who is one of just 28 Canadians to appear in the major league this season, leads runner-up Paul Lo Duca of the New York Mets by over 120,000 votes in the All-Star balloting.

"This year because of the All-Star game I'm getting a lot of attention, it's good to get attention when it's for the right reasons," Martin said.

If Martin retains his lead, it will be the second consecutive year that a Canadian-born player gets voted into the Midsummer Classic. Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay was voted in last season.

"It feels good, it always feels good to be recognized for what you do on the field and all the effort you put out there," Martin said. "For the fans to recognize that and vote for me, it's definitely surreal right now, being my second year, my first year being eligible. It's amazing if I end up going."

The second-year pro is looking to become the 10th catcher in Dodgers' franchise history to make the All-Star squad and the first since Lo Duca in 2004. He also would be the first Dodger catcher to earn the fans' vote since Mike Piazza in 1997.

Martin was drafted by the Dodgers as a third baseman in the 17th round of the June 2002 draft and converted to a catcher in 2003.

In 2006, Martin batted .282 with 10 home runs and 65 RBI in 121 games, finishing ninth in the Rookie of the Year voting.