Books and articles about J.C. Martin

After Martin failed as both a first and third baseman, he was converted by the White Sox to a fine-fielding catcher. He particularly excelled at handling the floating knuckleballs of Hoyt Wilhelm. On September 10, 1967, he caught Joel Horlen's no-hitter. That winter, the Mets acquired him to back up Jerry Grote.

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Though a weak hitter, Martin is best remembered for two pinch-hitting appearances for New York. In the 1969 LCS opener, he delivered a key bases-loaded single. When he came off the bench in the bottom of the 10th in Game Four of the World Series, he triggered one of the most controversial plays in post-season history. He bunted to Baltimore pitcher Pete Richert, whose throw to first struck Martin on the wrist and ricocheted into short right, allowing pinch runner Rod Gaspar to score the winning run from second. Orioles manager Earl Weaver, who had been ejected earlier, saw the play and protested after the game that Martin had run illegally inside the foul line. Umpire Shag Crawford thought otherwise. (DB)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » May 18, 1961: Ryne Duren comes in for the Angels and notches four strikeouts in the 7th inning against the White Sox. He fans Minnie Minoso, Roy Sievers, J.C. Martin, and Sammy Esposito to tie the ML record. One pitch eludes C Del Rice and results in the winning run. Chicago takes it 6–4. » July 22, 1967: The White Sox get Sandy Alomar and infielder Ken Boyer from the Mets in exchange for infielder Billy Southworth and catcher J.C. Martin. » October 15, 1969: A memorable World Series game pits Tom Seaver against Mike Cuellar. RF Ron Swoboda's questionable dive at Brooks Robinson's sinking liner with runners at 1B and 3B in the 9th inning results in a brilliant catch, even though Frank Robinson tags and scores the tying run. In the 10th, Mets pinch-hitter J.C. Martin, running illegally inside the 1B line after a bunt, is hit on the wrist by P Pete Richert's errant throw, enabling pinch runner Rod Gaspar to score from second as the Mets win 2–1. The game is enlivened by Earl Weaver getting thrown out after protesting ball and strike calls by Shag Crawford. Earl is the 3rd manager to leave early in a World Series, but the first since 1935.