BOSTON -- With respect in hand, pitcher Pedro Martinez put on a New York Mets uniform Thursday and vowed to help the team win its first World Series since 1986.

Martinez was introduced at Shea Stadium after he finalized a four-year, $53 million contract with the team. He turned down a $40.5 million, three-year offer from the Red Sox and decided to work out a deal with New York earlier this week.

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Martinez Swaps Sox For Big Apple

Martinez said that the Mets showed more of a commitment as they chased the star pitcher.

"I gave Boston every opportunity to actually get me -- not only in this free agent year, but for three years before. I've been trying to let Boston keep me for the rest of my career. Boston wouldn't pull the trigger. I went beyond my efforts to actually give Boston every opportunity to keep me. Why did they have to wait until the last minute? Do I have to sit and wait for anyone else to decide what my future is going to be? Would you?" Martinez said. "I didn't see a reason why I should wait. Show me respect."

By signing Martinez, the Mets hope to build a championship team, general manger Omar Minaya said as he introduced New York's new ace on the mound.

"I want to say that to be able to get here today, it took a lot of hard work and belief in our staff and ownership group to go out and sign the best free agent pitcher in the market today," Minaya said. "We got a guy, that in my opinion, transcends wins and losses. We are trying to build a championship team here. It is not only about free agents. It is about brining players from within."

Minaya said that no other free agent on the market had the value that Martinez has. Minaya said that hopes the new addition will attract other young pitchers to the team.

"Someday there will be a kid pitching, and he wants to come be a Met because of this signing," he said. "Pedro, thank you for coming to New York."

Martinez smiled and shook hands as team officials handed him a Mets baseball cap and team jersey.

"I am very thankful and very grateful to be part of this organization. It represents a new challenge to me," Martinez said. "I know it is going to be tough, but I am very glad that I made the decision."

Martinez said that he would do whatever possible to help the Mets win. The team has not won a World Series since 1986, when the Mets defeated the Red Sox in seven games.

"Remember, Boston was there for 86 years, and it seemed like it was going to be forever. I can say proudly that I was part of that team that won it for Boston. I want to do the same thing here. I hope I can pull one out and help this team to win," Martinez said.

In October, Martinez helped pitch Boston to its first World Series win since 1918 along with pitchers Curt Schilling, Derek Lowe, Bronson Arroyo, Tim Wakefield and Keith Foulke.

Earlier this week, Martinez said that his heart will stay with Sox fans.

"I only hope to honor my contract and to fulfill the expectations. We got what we wanted. The team and I are happy with everything," Martinez said on Tuesday. "My heart will always be with the Boston fans. I hope that everyone who truly loves me will still support me now that I won't be with the Red Sox," Martinez said.

Martinez won the National League Cy Young award in 1997 and the American League Cy Young Award in 1999 and 2000.

Martinez began his career as an amateur free agent signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988. He was traded to the Montreal Expos in 1993. The Expos then traded him to the Red Sox in 1997.