Martin, born in
New York City, was an
American Civil War veteran who played in organized baseball as far back as 1869, when he pitched for the
Brooklyn Eckfords. That year, a reporter for the
New York Clipper described him as an "extremely hard pitcher to hit for the ball never comes in a straight line‚ but in a tantalizing curve." If the observation is true, this would pre-date
Candy Cummings, the pitcher given credit as the inventor of the
curveball. His pitching style led to his nickname of "Old Slow Ball". Martin officially began his professional baseball career when he joined the
Troy Haymakers of the National Association as a pitcher and right fielder, playing in 25
games, pitching in eight of those games. while baseball-reference.com lists
Jim Clinton and Wood as the managers. For the season, he joined the
New York Mutuals, which turned out to be his last season at this level. He played 30 games in right field, and pitched six games. ==Death==