The first non-player elected to the ASA Hall of Fame, Eugene Byron Martin served softball in different capacities before becoming ASA executive secretary-treasurer in 1949 and serving until 1962. Before succeeding Michael J. Pauley as the ASA’s CEO, Martin served as New Jersey state commissioner and Eastern vice-president. Martin was named treasurer in 1945 before being elected to the combined post of executive secretary-treasurer in 1949. A native of Kokomo, IN, Martin played football and basketball at Indiana University, majoring in commerce and finance. He also promoted college basketball and boxing for four years at the National Guard Armory in Indianapolis. As executive-secretary-treasurer of the ASA, Martin traveled thousands of miles promoting softball in the United States as well as internationally. He was a member of President Eisenhower’s People-to-People Committee and the AAU Board of Governors. Martin initiated many softball programs, including National Softball Week in 1951 and the Men’s and Women’s Major Fast Pitch All-Star Series. On July 14, 1962, Martin died-a victim of cancer. He was 56 years-old.
