Days after being released by the Phillies from AAA Scranton in 1989, John Martin got a call from Lance Nichols, head of the Philadelphia minor league system, The Scranton Times-Tribune wrote.
He'd played into his 10th professional season, but hadn't made the majors. He also wasn't sure what to do, The Times-Tribune wrote.
"He asked me if I'd be interested in possibly coaching," Martin told The Times-Tribune. "I told him I'd think about it and that I liked the idea. I wanted to stay in baseball."
Martin did stay in, embarking on a new career as a minor league pitching coach, and later a scout.
Martin's career began in 1980, taken by the Cardinals in the 16th round of the draft out of the University of Washington. Martin was also sometimes credited as John A. Martin.
Martin started with the Phillies at St. Petersburg and single-A Gastonia. He went 3-6 overall, with a 5.94 ERA.
He returned to Gastonia for 1981, then saw single-A St. Petersburg for 1982 and 1983. He went 14-10, with a 2.68 ERA in 1983. He saw single-A Springfield and AA Arkansas in 1984. He threw a no-hitter at Springfield that August.
In 1985, he played most of the year at Arkansas, going 8-8, with a 3.30 ERA and made the league All-Star team. He also saw AAA for the first time, two outings at Louisville.
Martin saw Louisville full time in 1987 and 1988, but didn't see St. Louis. He then signed with the Phillies for 1989 and started at Scranton until his release.
His first coaching stop came at rookie Martinsville. He then saw high-A Clearwater for 1990. He later coached at short-season Batavia and single-A Piedmont. He's later credited as serving as a scout for the Marlins and then the Orioles.
Made the Majors:1,271-33.8%
Never Made Majors:2,485-66.2%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:524
10+ Seasons in the Minors:311-X
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