It’s been almost a year since Marty’s memoir, Ol’ Buddy Marty, came out, and his life is still full of book-related activities. People, some of whom Marty knows and others he doesn’t, continue to contact him either to catch up with an old friend or buy a book.
You’ll be able to connect with Marty at his upcoming book signing on Monday, March 18, at 12:30 pm at The College of New Jersey Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 500 Campus Town Drive, Ewing, NJ.
Marty has a strong connection with TCNJ (previously called Trenton State College). It’s near his boyhood home. He went to school there on the GI Bill when his time playing baseball with the Dodgers organization was over. He earned his BS in Health & Phys Ed there in 1963 and MS in 1965.
While in school, Ol’ Buddy helped out the swimming and diving coach and had the opportunity to coach the Lions’ baseball team. Because of his experience playing professional baseball, he was not eligible to be a head coach, but he was plucked away by the coach and named a coach’s aide. “But really,” said Marty, “he gave me the reins.” Marty was happy to share his knowledge, the college was pleased, and the Lions’ pitchers were particularly grateful to learn how to throw a curveball. “I couldn’t throw one, but I could teach it,” said Marty
Marty always threw in home run hitting contests because he could pitch to any spot, but in spring training, before his year as player–manager with the Orlando Dodgers, Marty wanted to learn more about the craft. He skipped lunch so he could learn pitching. Marty had played and knew every other position, but he wanted to know more. Eventually he pitched in a game and could claim he played all nine positions.
Marty had few qualifications for getting into TCNJ. He had no SAT scores, no academic background to speak of, and no learning skills, but he did have a couple of people in the Health & Phys Ed Department who went to bat for him. “They were so good to me,” said Marty. “Although I had already been in the real world and had more street smarts than anyone, once I got in [to school], I discovered that I loved learning.”
That was the beginning of Marty’s lifetime of learning. At 91 he’s still learning. Marty invites everyone to stop by the book signing on March 18. Ol’ Buddy still loves connecting with people and has this knack to put a smile on everyone’s face.
(Old clippings of Lions’ baseball team in 1968)
Note that Marty recently was invited to participate in a podcast. Information about how to listen to that will be shared in an upcoming newsletter.
