1. Overview
Martin William Pattin (April 6, 1943 - October 3, 2018) was an American professional baseball player who spent 13 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right-handed pitcher. He appeared in 475 games, compiling 114 wins, 1,179 strikeouts, and a 3.62 earned run average (ERA). Pattin played for the California Angels, Seattle Pilots / Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Royals. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, notably serving as the head coach for the University of Kansas baseball team.
2. Early Life and Education
Martin William Pattin's formative years and academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his future career in baseball.
2.1. Birth and Upbringing
Pattin was born on April 6, 1943, in Charleston, Illinois. He attended Charleston High School in his hometown.
2.2. College Career
Pattin continued his education at Eastern Illinois University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. During his time at the university, he was a member of the Eastern Illinois Panthers baseball team, where he achieved a notable collegiate record by striking out 22 batters in a single game.
3. Playing Career
Pattin's professional baseball journey spanned over a decade, beginning with his draft selection and progressing through various Major League teams before his retirement.
3.1. Professional Debut
Pattin began his professional career after being selected in the seventh round, 127th overall, by the California Angels in the 1965 Major League Baseball draft. He spent two seasons playing in the minor leagues with the Seattle Rainiers before earning his promotion to Major League Baseball.
3.2. Major League Teams
Pattin played for four different Major League Baseball teams throughout his 13-year career, experiencing trades and team relocations.
3.2.1. California Angels
Pattin's initial professional experience in Major League Baseball was with the California Angels in 1968. His tenure with the Angels was brief, as he subsequently left the team via the 1968 Major League Baseball expansion draft.
3.2.2. Seattle Pilots / Milwaukee Brewers
Following the expansion draft, Pattin joined the Seattle Pilots. This team later relocated and became the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970. During his time with the Brewers, Pattin demonstrated strong performance. In the 1970 season, he finished with a 14-12 record and a 3.39 ERA across 37 games, 29 of which were starts. His performance continued to impress in 1971, where he was named an All-Star. That season, he posted a 14-14 record with a 3.13 ERA in 36 starts.
3.2.3. Boston Red Sox
On October 10, 1971, Pattin was involved in a significant ten-player trade that sent him, Tommy Harper, Lew Krausse, and minor-league outfielder Pat Skrable to the Boston Red Sox. In return, the Brewers received George Scott, Jim Lonborg, Ken Brett, Billy Conigliaro, Joe Lahoud, and Don Pavletich. Pattin played two seasons with the Red Sox, winning a combined 32 games. A notable incident occurred in 1972 when his bid for a no-hitter was foiled by A's slugger Reggie Jackson, who hit a single off him with one out in the ninth inning. According to fellow pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee, Pattin had a peculiar habit of throwing up after the first inning in nearly every game he pitched for the Red Sox.
3.2.4. Kansas City Royals
Pattin was traded to the Kansas City Royals on October 24, 1973, in exchange for Dick Drago. With the Royals, Pattin's role varied, as he divided his playing time between being a starter and a reliever. His versatility was recognized by the Kansas City Star, which named him the Royals' pitcher of the month twice during the 1975 campaign: once in June as a starter and again in September as a reliever. Pattin retired from professional baseball after being granted free agency following the 1980 season.
3.3. Career Statistics
Throughout his 13-year Major League Baseball career, Martin William Pattin appeared in 475 games as a right-handed pitcher. He accumulated 114 wins, recorded 1,179 strikeouts, and maintained a career earned run average (ERA) of 3.62.
4. Post-Playing Career
After concluding his playing career, Martin Pattin remained actively involved in baseball through coaching.
4.1. Coaching Career
Following his retirement as a player, Pattin transitioned into a coaching role. He notably served as the head coach for the University of Kansas baseball team, a position he held from 1982 to 1987.
5. Death
Martin William Pattin died on October 3, 2018, at the age of 75. He passed away in his sleep while visiting friends in his hometown of Charleston, Illinois.
6. Assessment and Legacy
Martin William Pattin's career spanned 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, during which he established himself as a reliable right-handed pitcher. His contributions included an All-Star selection in 1971 and significant roles for multiple teams, particularly the Milwaukee Brewers and Kansas City Royals. Beyond his playing days, Pattin's dedication to baseball continued through his coaching tenure at the University of Kansas, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.