FACES OF SAN ANTONIO

Billy Martinez, professional league pitcher

"I have always loved baseball. I grew up in the Eastside around the Sutton Homes area and even though we had no organize baseball teams we waited until we had enough players to form two teams and them we would play. It was there that I learned baseball. Older retired baseball players may remember me as the tall lanky leftie pitcher. I remember the day that this man came to our game and asked me if I cared to try out for the San Antonio Missions. I said yes and became their pitcher.
I also remember the day in high school when I asked the baseball coach if I could play. Without hesitation his answer was simple. No, you will likely be in prison before you reach 16. That was a disappointing moment.

The San Antonio missions were pleased with my performance and I played with them for four years. Towards the end of those four years the Baltimore Orioles recruited me. That year was full of new experiences. For one, it was my first time away from home and my first airplane trip. I realize how significant it was for a 15-year-old left-handed pitcher to be playing for a National League. Because of my age I was assigned a chaperone. And yes, it was hard being away from home on my own. Towards the end of my second year I injured my shoulder and came home."
Billy Martinez is 80 years old and enjoys watching his grandson coach the McCollum High School baseball team.

This interview was conducted in the high school stadium which is the right place for Billy to be.