Bob Martinez CHS Baseball Memorial Scholarship
On February 24, 2022, it was the bottom of the 9th inning, bases loaded, two down and full count, when Earth had a strikeout, and Heaven received a grand slam and our MVP, #25, Bob Martinez.
Bob was born in Superior on January 27, 1938, then later moved to Chandler when he was 4 years old. Growing up, he attended Chandler schools and graduated from Chandler High in 1956, where he was a multi-sport athlete, met his high school sweetheart, Mary-Helen Martinez, and fell in love with the game of baseball. He was a four-year varsity letterman for the Wolves, and it was behind that plate, as catcher, where he developed his leadership skills that would eventually shape him for years to come.
Bob’s love for the game is evident through his accomplishments and legacy he left in the Chandler community. In 1969, he started Chandler Youth Baseball where he made it possible for less fortunate families to be a part of their community and bond through a mutual love of baseball. He was a coach to many who stressed the importance of hard work, dedication, and respect both on and off the field. He was later inducted in the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame and was proud to hold the 3A highest batting average of .659.
As a devout Catholic his entire life, Bob was a very active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and served as an usher for many years. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he became a Fourth Degree Knight. Bob’s greatest desire in life was to serve God, his family, his friends, and those in need. Bob married his high school sweetheart Mary Helen Martinez in 1956 and they were blessed with five children, ten grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, camping, fishing, listen to Mariachi Music, lots of dancing, and attending any sporting event, especially those of his children and grandchildren. Later in life he enjoyed living in Pinetop during the summer months. Many times, you could find Bob and Helen dancing on the Orchard dance floor in Pinetop.
As Yogi Berra once said, “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too” – Bob’s family would like his legacy to live on helping a young athlete who shares the same passion and love for the game. Therefore, this memorial scholarship will be awarded to an athlete that has embodies leadership both on the field and in the classroom. The recipient will be one who exemplifies the importance of encouraging their teammates, dedication to their families and being a respectable man of society.
