Jack Martin (baseball)
Jack Martin | |
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Shortstop | |
Born: Plainfield, New Jersey | April 19, 1887|
Died: July 4, 1980 The Bronx, New York | (aged 93)|
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
April 25, 1912, for the New York Highlanders | |
Last MLB appearance | |
October 6, 1914, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |
MLB statistics | |
Batting average | .237 |
Home runs | 0 |
RBIs | 43 |
Teams | |
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John Christopher Martin (April 19, 1887 – July 4, 1980) was a weak-hitting, slick-fielding infielder in Major League Baseball, playing mainly at shortstop for three different teams between the 1912 and 1914 seasons. Listed at 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), 159 lb., he batted and threw right-handed.
A native of Plainfield, New Jersey, Martin played baseball for Plainfield High School.[1]
After a lengthy minor league baseball career, Martin entered the majors in 1912 as the regular shortstop for the Yankees, when they were known as the New York Highlanders. In 1914, he divided his playing time between the Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.
In a three-year career, Martin was a .237 hitter (144-for-608) with 66 runs and 43 RBI in 187 games, including 13 doubles, four triples, 20 stolen bases, and a .323 on-base percentage without home runs.
Following his playing retirement, Martin became a manager and coach in the minor leagues. He managed Jim Thorpe when Thorpe played for the 1916 Milwaukee Brewers in the American Association.
In 1954, Martin moved to Brick Township, New Jersey, where he lived out his twilight years. He was beloved and well known for helping his neighbors. In 1978 was honored by the Brick Township council for being an inspiration to youth, as the Jack Martin Boulevard is named after him.[2]
Martin suffered two heart attacks just after being introduced at the 34th annual New York Yankees Old-Timers' Day on June 21, 1980. He died 13 days later after having been hospitalized at Montefiore Hospital in The Bronx, New York. At the time of his death, at age 93, Martin was the oldest living former Yankees and Phillies player.
Chronology[]
- May 25, 1912 – During the first game of a double-header at Hilltop Park, Martin was hit by a pitch twice by Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson. The second time he had his jaw shattered by a fastball and, eventually, was out of action for five weeks. Johnson‚ who consciously avoided throwing at batters nevertheless hit 205 batters in his illustrious career.
References[]
- ^ Faber, Charles F. "Jack Martin", Society for American Baseball Research. Accessed November 9, 2017. "John Christopher Martin was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, in the central part of the state, on April 19, 1887. The son of Adeline and James B. Martin, a trolley conductor, Jack played baseball at Plainfield High School and for the town’s amateur clubs."
- ^ "Jack Martin Dead; Oldest Ex-Yankee - Jerseyan, 93, Played at Shortstop for the Highlanders In 1912". New York Times. July 6, 1980. p. 24. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
External links[]
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
- Baseball Library
- Retrosheet
- 1912 NYH schedule
- Obituary
- Boston Braves players
- New York Highlanders players
- Philadelphia Phillies players
- Major League Baseball shortstops
- Baseball players from New Jersey
- Plainfield High School (New Jersey) alumni
- Sportspeople from Brick Township, New Jersey
- Sportspeople from Plainfield, New Jersey
- 1887 births
- 1980 deaths
- Rochester Hustlers players
- Milwaukee Brewers (minor league) managers
- Milwaukee Brewers (minor league) players
- St. Paul Saints (AA) players
- San Antonio Bronchos players
- Atlanta Crackers players
- Daytona Beach Islanders players
- Seattle Indians players
- Newark Bears (IL) players
- Springfield Senators players
- Sportspeople from Union County, New Jersey
- Sportspeople from Ocean County, New Jersey