Paul Charles Martin

Paul Charles "Jake" Martin, the 1950's Pittsburgh Pirates Bonus Baby, an American professional baseball player who appeared in seven Major League games for the 1955 Pirates, joined the Pirates' MLB roster immediately after signing his first pro contract in 1955. In his debut, he hurled two scoreless innings in relief against that season's eventual world champions, the Brooklyn Dodgers. Martin sustained a career-ending arm injury that season and after an outing as a reliever, he never pitched in another professional game. But, his short time in baseball will forever be commemorated with his 1956 Topps Baseball Card. Jake was born in Fayette City, on March 9, 1932, to Paul and Martha Brightwell Martin. He grew up in Fayette City and graduated from Marion High School in 1950. He passed away in his home, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. He went to Nyack Theological Seminary, Nyack, N.Y., and served as a minister for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church for a short time, then attending Palmer College of Chiropractics in Iowa where he graduated in 1966. He eventually moved to San Diego, Calif., and opened up his practice where he met his wife, Dolores. He will not only be missed by his family and friends, but by the many people from babies to celebrities whose lives he touched and healed with his amazingly gifted hands. He will always be remembered for his intelligence, athletic abilities, wit and dry sense of humor, his dedication to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and again his gift as a chiropractor. Known as "Doc", he loved his stepgranddaughter Lola's cooking and her paintings, classical music, preachers, some good conservative radio commentary, fast cars, Jaguars, big guns, cactuses, and most of all, he seemed to delight over the latest news about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He suffered quite a bit in recent times, would raise his eyes to heaven saying "Your will, not mine" but he made it his life's work to be sure he returned to his Lord. Preceding him in death were his parents; and a brother, Bernard Martin. He is survived by his wife, Dolores; stepdaughters, Toni and Chris; grandchildren Lola, Cindy, Ricky, Bobby and Michael; and great-grandchildren Julian, Jake, Rocky, Noah, Juliana, Bella; nephews, Bernie and Joe; and niece, Debbie. Family spokesperson said "We will rest tonight in the knowledge that his pain is finally over and that he is no doubt pitching a fast ball in some heavenly baseball game." Burial was entrusted to the GREENWOOD MEMORIAL PARK AND MORTUARY, San Diego, Calif., officiated by Rev. David Skates, on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. Condolences may be sent to the family to Dolores Martin at 1529 33rd Street, San Diego, CA 92102.