Puerto Plata – In a moving ceremony, the Marineros de Puerto Plata honored the career of the legendary Marlon Martínez, known as “El Rey”, by retiring his iconic number 10.
A Tribute to the King of Basketball
Marlon Martínez Vásquez, born in Puerto Plata on January 17, 1979, earned his nickname thanks to his outstanding career in basketball. At 45 years old, Martínez left an indelible mark on Dominican sports.
Martínez was the first superstar from Puerto Plata to transcend internationally and in the national team. In nine seasons in the National Basketball League, he accumulated impressive statistics: 1490 points, 829 rebounds, 252 assists, 93 blocks, and 95 steals, in 102 games played.
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 80-66.
Thank you, Puerto Plata, thank you, with this recognition I close the cycle in sports in Puerto Plata.
Marlon Martínez
Martínez becomes the first player to have his number retired in two top tournaments in the country and in the National Basketball League. His number 10 jersey had already been retired by the Sameji club of Santiago in 2022 and by Batey Tres of Puerto Plata in 2017.
The event was attended by family, friends, and former colleagues of Martínez, including figures such as Carlos Payano, José Fortuna, Kelvin Peña, and Miguel Martínez.
Martínez was a key member of the representative teams of Puerto Plata that competed in the finals of 2001 and 2010.
