Puerto Plata Sailors Honor Marlon “Rey” Martínez by Retiring His Number 10
Puerto Plata – The Marineros de Puerto Plata paid a well-deserved tribute to a local basketball legend, retiring the number 10 that immortalized Marlon Martínez, known as “El Rey”, a member of the Hall of Fame of Puertoplateño Sports.
Marlon Martínez Vásquez, born in San Felipe de Puerto Plata on January 17, 1979, earned the nickname “Rey” thanks to his outstanding career in basketball.
At 45 years old, Martínez was the first superstar from Puerto Plata to shine both internationally and in the national team.
In nine seasons in the National Basketball League, Martínez accumulated impressive statistics: 1490 points, 829 rebounds, 252 assists, 93 blocks, and 95 steals, participating in 102 games.
The retirement ceremony was held at the Fabio Rafael González covered court, during the match between the Leones de Santo Domingo and the Marineros de Puerto Plata, with a victory for the home team with a score of 80-66.
Thank you, Puerto Plata, thank you Mariners. With this recognition, I close the cycle in the sport of Puerto Plata.
Marlon Martínez
Martínez makes history by being the first player to have his number retired in two top tournaments in the country, including the National Basketball League. His number 10 jersey had already been retired by the Sameji club of Santiago in 2022 and by his lifelong club, Batey Tres of Puerto Plata, in 2017.
The event was attended by family, friends, and former teammates of Martínez, both from the national team and from the clubs Sameji, Batey Tres and Marineros, including Carlos Payano, José Fortuna, Kelvin Peña and Miguel Martínez (Chocho Loco).
Martínez was part of the representative teams of Puerto Plata that reached the finals of 2001 against Villa Francisca (LIDOBA) and of the Cañeros de la Romana in 2010.
