Marty Martínez

Who was Marty Martínez?

Orlando "Marty" Martínez Oliva was a utility player, manager, coach and scout in Major League Baseball. Martínez batted switch-hitter and threw right-handed. He was born in Havana, Cuba.

Martínez never hit a home run in 945 major-league career at-bats, but he did everything a player was asked to do. He appeared at shortstop in 157 games, and also played at first, second, and third bases; caught, and made a relief appearance. Nevertheless, he is best remembered as the man who scouted and signed Edgar Martínez and Omar Vizquel, among other distinguished players.

Signed by the Washington Senators as an amateur free agent in 1960, Martínez reached the majors in 1962 with the Minnesota Twins, spending one year with them before moving to the Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers. In 1968 with Atlanta, he appeared in a career-high 113 games as a defensive replacement for Félix Millán, Clete Boyer and Sonny Jackson. In 1969, he hit a career-high .308 in 78 games for Houston as a backup catcher for Johnny Edwards and also played in six different positions.