Hall of Fame Inductee - Chris Martin

There was one thing Chris Martin could do at any level he played. That was hit.

A four-year varsity starter for the Quincy High School baseball team, Martin batted .524 as a senior with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 39 RBI. He was an All-Western Big Six Conference selection and the 1997 Herald-Whig Player of the Year. Primarily a third baseman, he also pitched as a senior, posting a 3-0 record with one save. He struck out 23 batters in 22-2⁄3 innings.

Martin went on to play at Eastern Illinois University, where the Panthers won the Ohio Valley Conference title three of his four seasons. As a sophomore, Martin hit the game-winning home run in the OVC Tournament title game against Middle Tennessee State that sent EIU to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. Martin played two summers in the Central Illinois Collegiate League, leading the league in hitting in 1999 with a .343 average while playing for the Decatur Blues. He played for the Quincy Gems in 2000 and was second on the team in hitting with a .287 average.

That led to a free-agent contract with the New York Yankees, and Martin was assigned to the Class A Staten Island Yankees. After one season in the minor leagues, Martin turned his attention to coaching. He led the Gems to the Prospect League championship in 2009 and is entering his fifth season as the head coach at Quincy Notre Dame.

Martin and his wife, Kate, live in Quincy.

Acceptance Speech

First of all I would like to take this opportunit y to thank the Hall of Fame committee for electing me into this 2010 class. I want to congratulate the other 2010 inductees and their families for an honor that is well deserved. It is truly a privilege to have my name forever amongst the many great athletes that have come through QHS.

The memories that flood my mind when I think of my time as a Quincy High student/athlete are overwhelming. The hard work that was put in, the pride for being a Blue Devil, the laughter on and off the field and the friendships that were made. These are just some of the moments that come to my mind. To be a Quincy High School Blue Devil is something I will always cherish and hold dear to my heart. I knew since I was a young kid and seeing the induction ceremonies take place that this is a somewhere I wanted my name to be. This night would have never been possible without some key people in my life. These people allowed me to make my dreams a reality.

I first want to thank my father Terry, my mother Patty and my sister Jackie. Thank you all for being my biggest fans. If it was not for your unconditional love and willingness to do whatever it took for me to play at a high level I wouldn’t have had the career I was able to experience. All of the long trips year after year must have taken a toll on not only your pocketbook but your nerves as well. The countless hours my father spent with me in the batting cages, on the QHS baseball field and anywhere else you could throw or hit a ball will always be some of my fondest memories. I will never forget what you all have sacrificed for me and for that, this day is for you!

I also want to thank Coach Lon Fulte who was so instrumental in my development as a person first and a baseball player second. I always had so much confidence in myself and I truly believe that stemmed from your belief in me. I appreciate the opportunities you gave me over my four years as a Blue Devil. Although those years flew bye, the memories I have today are as vivid as ever. I thank you for your commitment to myself, and the whole Quincy High Baseball program.

There are so many people who have touched my life as a baseball player/person and many who continue to do so today as a coach. Mr. Scott Douglas, Mr. Jim Douglas and Mr. Matt Schuckman to name a few. Thank you for you friendship and support. It is an honor to get to continue sharing a dugout with you. And for Matt, it is an honor to share with you what goes on in our dugout. I can only hope that I touch my athletes’ lives the way these individuals and many others have touched mine. This is truly a day of celebration. This is the culmination of hard work, pride, laughter and a lifetime of friendship.

Finally I would like to thank my beautiful wife Kate. I thank you for all of your support and unconditional love. I love you. Thanks again and congratulations to all. Go Blue Devils!