Ken Martin

Ken Martin, the son of the late C. Harold and Svea G. Martin, was born in Jamestown on September 18, 1933, and attended Jamestown High School from 1950 to 1952 where he excelled in basketball and baseball. During his senior season, Martin was selected to the Lake Shore Basketball League First Team and ranked third in scoring. He also was a member of the J Club.

Baseball was a big part of his life in the service (1953-1955) as he played for the Army base in Fort Dix, New Jersey, then, played for the 22nd Signal Group in Korea that won a 1954 championship.

In 1956, Martin signed a contract with the then New York Giants. His first year was spent at St. Cloud, Minnesota, and his final season was at Danville, Virginia. Martin returned to the area and became one of the finest softball and baseball players leading numerous teams to league and tournament championships before calling it quits at the age of 51.

more about Ken Martin

Audios

Memorabilia

Photographs

select an image to enlarge

1953 Jamestown High School baseball team. Ken Martin - back row, fourth from left. Russ Diethrick - back row, fifth from right.

Bob Winterburn is number 11. Ken Martin is number 5. Warren Beverage, 1965.

1973 See-Zurh House softball team. Front row: Pat Traniello, Bob Schmitt, Bob Burns, Ev Matlock, Terry Woodfield. Back row: Tim Brown, Joe DiMaio, Randy Shenefiel, Ken Martin, Ron Frederes, Dan Harnish, Brian Brown.

Ken Martin is third from left in back row. Frewsburg Hotel, 1981.

Top row: Jeff Bloomquist, Mark Edstrom, Bob Winterburn, Kenny Martin, Dan Massey, Mel Swanson. Bottom row: Vere Lindquist, Kevin Martin, Tim Brown, Yogi Kent, Walt Green. Heintz Vending, 1982.

Ken Martin as a member of the JHS chain crew.

Left to right: Ken Martin, Bob Winterburn, Greg Anderson, Mark Swanson. Jamestown HIgh School football chain crew. 2006.

Left to right: Ken Martin, Ray Fashano, Bob Winterburn and Ben Drake.

Seated: Piney Johnson (left) and Tom Prechtl. Standing: Ken Martin (left) and Bob Winterburn.

Bob Winterburn and Ken Martin.

Ken Martin's burial marker.

Publications

transcribed publications

Scorse, Jerry. "Jamestowner Flashes Big League Form With Signal Corps in Korea." Post-Journal (Jamestown), October 1, 1954.
Scorse, Jerry. "Martin Signs With Giants." Post-Journal (Jamestown), May 9, 1955.
Riggs, Jim. "Martin & Company On Duty." Post-Journal (Jamestown), October 15, 2014.
"Kenneth Martin (obituary)." Post-Journal (Jamestown), November 21, 2015.
Kindberg, Scott. "Remembering a 'Gentle Giant'." Post-Journal (Jamestown), November 22, 2015.

scanned publications

select an image to enlarge

To Play At Bona. Post-Journal (Jamestown), December 9, 1952.

First Rec All-Stars. Post-Journal (Jamestown), March 23, 1956.

Balance Marks Muny 'Stars. Post-Journal (Jamestown), August 24, 1956.

Penn-York Champs. Post-Journal (Jamestown), August 25, 1956.

Name Locals To Play Paige Stars. Post-Journal (Jamestown), August 10, 1959.

Asquith Unanimous All-Star Choice In Inter-City Voting. Post-Journal, 1959. It is interesting to note that in this article, 5 of 9 first team all-stars are members of the CSHOF and the article was written by another.

Websites

The additional financial assistance of the community is critical to the success of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their generous support.

View All Our Supporters