Chris Martinez played for El Dorado Post 81 in 1972 and 1973. In his two year career, he won 18 games while losing 6. As a 16 year old in 1972, he compiled a win-loss record of 10-3 while posting a 0.74 ERA. That season, he struck out 103 while walking only 49 in 89 2/3 innings.

Chris won two games in the Fifth District Tournament at El Dorado and then two more in the State Tournament at Garden City. Martinez was named to the All Fifth District Tournament Team. One of his wins in the State Tournament was over eventual State Champion Hays hurling a 10 inning, two hitter. It was his third two hitter of the season.

In 1973, Chris was 8-3 with a 1.88 ERA. He fanned 119 while walking 43 in 85 1/3 innings. The team again won the Fifth District Championship and again took second place in the State Tournament, this time at McPherson. His 18 wins over 2 seasons are believed to be the best for Post 81 in at least the last 50 years.

Martinez also continues to be one of the leaders in the El Dorado High School pitching statistics that date back to the 1969 season. He ranks 8th in career innings pitched with 114 1/3. His career ERA of 1.53 ranks 6th. Chris ranks third in career strikeouts with 163 against only 50 free passes.

In single season statistics, Martinez has the third and the thirteenth best ERA’s. He posted a 0.59 ERA in 1972 and a 1.64 ERA in 1973. Chris also has the 6th and 11th most strikeouts in a season with 72 in 1973 and 56 in 1972. One of his biggest wins came in 1972 against Hays in the semi-finals of the Dodge City Boothill Classic Tournament which the Wildcats went on to win. Chris was named First Team All Ark Valley League pitcher in 1973, the first year an All AVL team was selected.

Chris passed away in 2010 following a long battle with illness. He is survived by his wife, Cathy and son, Blase and daughter.