Local Baseball Great To Have Cherry Hill Field Dedicated In His Honor

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill's baseball community will soon honor one of the sport's local standouts. The new Cherry Hill East Baseball Varsity Field will get rededicated in honor of David J. Martin — a former pro ballplayer and longtime coach for the high school.

The ceremony honoring Martin is set for 3:15 p.m. April 27.

Martin graduated from Gloucester Catholic in 1966, becoming one of South Jersey's top pitchers for the decade. He also batted .334 over the four-year period.

At Southern Illinois University, Martin pitched in the 1970 College World Series. Martin then signed with the San Francisco Giants and spent a season at Decatur in Class A ball.

Martin later took a teaching position at Cherry Hill High School East, where he became a standout coach. Under Martin's leadership from 1972-2005, the team won more than 500 games, two South Jersey Group 4 championships (1988 and 1998), five Olympic Conference American Division titles, and four titles in the former South Jersey North Conference. The Cougars also won the Diamond Classic in 1986 and 1992.

Martin's legacy continues as he volunteers his time and shares his experience with current players and coaches.

The Cherry Hill High School East Baseball Alumni Association is running the rededication ceremony. Find out more here.