My dream of playing major league baseball occurred for me at age 10 - the year 1968. I was at a friend's house one Saturday afternoon watching the Chicago Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals. While watching the game something inside of me said, “You can play in the big leagues." Thus, on that Saturday afternoon in 1968 the passion was born.
There were many influential people I encountered during my career. However, my father was the one who laid the foundation. He was my coach until I entered high school in 1973. My dad knew how to teach the game, he expected you to be disciplined, have pride and show respect to the game and your opponent.
My professional career began in 1978. The San Diego Padres made me their 1st round selection in the winter draft. After spending 6-1/2 years in the Padres organization I decided to become a minor league free agent and I signed with the Milwaukee Brewers for the 1985 season. The Brewers traded me to the Chicago Cubs in the winter of 1985 and on August 15, 1986 I got the call.
The dream of 1968 took 18 years to come true. However, it was well worth all the sacrifices I endured. The one thought that will be with me forever is when I walked through the clubhouse in Montreal and saw in my locker the name MARTIN on the back of my CUBS jersey.
