Marty Pattin – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Marty Pattin put together a solid 13-year run in Major League Baseball, pitching for five different teams between 1968 and 1980. The right-hander played during one of baseball’s most exciting eras, suiting up for the California Angels, Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Royals.

His journey through pro baseball showed the determination of a guy who had to prove himself early on, overcoming doubts about his size and stuff to become a dependable major league pitcher.

When Pattin retired after the 1980 season, he stood out as the last active player from the short-lived Seattle Pilots franchise. That bit of trivia makes him a unique figure in baseball lore, since the Pilots only lasted a single season in 1969 before moving to Milwaukee and becoming the Brewers.

He finished his career with 114 wins, 109 losses, and 487 games pitched—pretty steady numbers over more than a decade.

But there’s more to Pattin’s story than just stats and rosters. He grew up in small-town Illinois, made the leap from Eastern Illinois University to the big leagues, and after hanging up his glove, moved into coaching.

He even led the University of Kansas baseball program, staying close to the sport that shaped his life.

Marty Pattin’s Baseball Career Overview

Martin William Pattin built a respectable 13-year MLB career from 1968 to 1980, going 114-109 with a 3.62 ERA. He started out with the California Angels, then moved through the Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Royals.

He picked up All-Star honors in 1971, which was a nice feather in his cap.

Early Career with the California Angels

The California Angels picked Pattin in the seventh round (127th overall) of the 1965 MLB draft. He grew up in Charleston, Illinois and played ball at Eastern Illinois University, where he definitely left his mark.

At Eastern Illinois, Pattin once struck out 22 batters in a single game. He helped the Panthers reach the 1964 NAIA World Series and wrapped up his college days with 278 strikeouts, which is still a school record.

After the draft, Pattin spent two seasons in the minors with the Seattle Rainiers. That time in the minors gave him a chance to sharpen his skills before making the big jump.

The Angels saw his potential and worked to get him ready for the majors. His minor league experience really helped lay the groundwork for his pro career.

Major League Debut in 1968 Season

Pattin made his big league debut for the California Angels on May 14, 1968, at age 25. The 1968 season marked the start of his professional journey as a pitcher in the majors.

During his rookie year with the Angels, Pattin took the mound as a right-handed pitcher. That first season gave him a taste of major league competition and helped him start building his reputation.

His time with the Angels was short, but it mattered for his development. Pitching at the highest level taught him lessons that stuck with him.

The 1968 season also lined up with the MLB expansion draft, which soon sent his career in a new direction.

Transition to Seattle Pilots and Milwaukee Brewers

Pattin left the Angels in the 1968 MLB expansion draft and joined the Seattle Pilots. When the team moved and became the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970, Pattin stuck with the organization.

His numbers in Milwaukee really improved. In 1970, he went 14-12 with a 3.39 ERA in 37 games, starting 29 times.

The next year, he hit his peak. Pattin got All-Star honors in 1971 after posting a 14-14 record and a 3.13 ERA across 36 starts.

He established himself as a reliable starter with the Brewers. Those Milwaukee years were his most productive, showing he could handle a heavy load as a starter.

Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals Highlights

A huge ten-player trade sent Pattin to the Boston Red Sox on October 10, 1971. He joined Tommy Harper, Lew Krausse, and Pat Skrable, while the Brewers got George Scott, Jim Lonborg, Ken Brett, Billy Conigliaro, Joe Lahoud, and Don Pavletich.

Pattin racked up 32 wins in two seasons with Boston. His biggest moment came in 1972, when he came within one out of a no-hitter against the Oakland Athletics, but Reggie Jackson broke it up with a single in the ninth.

The Kansas City Royals traded for Pattin in exchange for Dick Drago on October 24, 1973. He spent seven seasons with Kansas City, splitting time between starting and relieving.

The Kansas City Star named him pitcher of the month twice in 1975—once in June as a starter, and again in September as a reliever. He called it a career after the 1980 season, following free agency.

Key Achievements and Career Milestones

Marty Pattin reached several notable milestones in his 13-year MLB career. He became the first Opening Day starter for the Seattle Pilots and picked up All-Star honors in 1971.

He also played a part in the Kansas City Royals’ postseason runs in the late ’70s, helping put the franchise on the map.

Opening Day Starter for Seattle Pilots

Pattin started the very first Opening Day for the Seattle Pilots in 1969. That was a pretty big deal—baseball was back in Seattle after a long hiatus.

The right-hander took the mound for the expansion franchise’s debut season. The Pilots had picked him from the Angels in the 1968 expansion draft, making him one of their building blocks.

His Opening Day start showed the team had faith in him. Pattin’s selection for that assignment said a lot about his reputation as a pitcher who could handle pressure.

The Pilots packed up and moved to Milwaukee after just one season, but Pattin’s place in baseball history was set. He’s still part of Seattle’s baseball story, even if the Pilots didn’t last long.

1971 All-Star Selection

Pattin picked up his only All-Star nod in 1971 with the Milwaukee Brewers. That came during one of his most consistent seasons.

He finished the year with a 14-14 record and a 3.13 ERA across 36 starts. That performance helped establish him as one of the American League’s more dependable starters.

That All-Star appearance was really the peak of his individual recognition. It proved he’d moved from journeyman to reliable major league starter.

In 1971, Pattin showed off his durability and consistency. He completed 12 games that year, which says a lot about his stamina.

Contributions to the 1980 World Series

Pattin played a backup role during the Kansas City Royals’ 1980 World Series championship run. His veteran experience came in handy as the Royals grabbed their first title.

The veteran pitcher added depth to Kansas City’s staff during the regular season. Since he could work as a starter or reliever, manager Jim Frey had some flexibility.

Pattin mostly contributed during the regular season, where his experience helped guide younger pitchers. His leadership in the clubhouse mattered during that historic season.

The 1980 season turned out to be Pattin’s last. He retired after the World Series win, ending his career on a high note.

ALCS Appearances with the Kansas City Royals

Pattin took part in several American League Championship Series with the Royals in the late ’70s. His veteran presence helped the team become a regular playoff contender.

The Royals made the ALCS in 1976, 1977, and 1978 while Pattin was with them. He shifted from starter to reliever as the team built toward a championship.

In the playoffs, Pattin faced the New York Yankees in some big moments. His efforts helped make the Royals a real threat in the American League.

He showed he could handle the pressure of the postseason. Pattin’s experience was valuable as the Royals grew into a championship-caliber team.

Retirement and Legacy After the 1980 Season

Marty Pattin wrapped up his 13-year MLB career after the 1980 season, hitting free agency. He struck out Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt in his last inning, then moved into coaching at the University of Kansas, all while keeping close ties to Eastern Illinois University.

Final MLB Game and Season Performance

Pattin’s final season with the Royals in 1980 marked the end of a pretty distinguished run. He finished his last inning by striking out Mike Schmidt, one of the game’s best hitters and a future Hall of Famer.

When Pattin retired after 1980, he was the last active player from the Seattle Pilots. That franchise only existed in 1969 before moving to Milwaukee.

His career numbers: 114 wins, 109 losses, and a 3.62 ERA. He tallied 1,179 strikeouts over 475 games in his 13 years.

The veteran pitcher got his All-Star nod in 1971. His last seven seasons came with the Royals, after earlier stops with the Angels, Pilots, Brewers, and Red Sox.

Influence on Kansas City Royals’ Success

Pattin played a key role in the Royals’ success during the late ’70s and early ’80s. He was a major piece on Kansas City teams that made the ALCS three years in a row, from 1976 to 1978.

The righty helped the Royals finally reach their first World Series in 1980, which happened to be his last season.

Pattin’s steady presence and performance helped turn the Royals from an expansion club into a contender. He spent seven years with Kansas City—his longest stretch with any team.

Recognition by Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University honored Pattin’s baseball legacy long after he retired. The school retired his No. 19 jersey, a nod to his impact on their program.

In 2016, Charleston High School named its baseball field Marty Pattin Field. That’s the same school Pattin graduated from in 1961 before heading to Eastern Illinois.

There’s even a bar called Marty’s just off the Eastern Illinois University campus, named after him. The place stands as a tribute to his connection with the university and the local community.

Pattin stayed close to his alma mater throughout his pro career and after.

Personal Background and Early Life

Martin William Pattin was born April 6, 1943, in Charleston, Illinois—a small town of about 8,000 that helped shape his early years and love of baseball. His childhood included some family struggles, athletic talent, and a strong sense of community.

Growing Up in Charleston, Illinois

Marty Pattin was the youngest of three, born to Clifton Wayne Pattin and Velda (Roberts) Pattin. His dad, Wayne, worked as a tailor and served as a Navy Seabee during World War II. He had an older sister, Charlotte, and a brother, Jerry.

When Marty was about five, his parents split up. The kids then moved in with their grandparents, living in a small house with an apple orchard next to the Illinois Central Railroad tracks. It was a humble but steady place for a future ballplayer to grow up.

Even as a kid, Marty had a crazy strong arm. He once joked, “Nobody in the neighborhood messed with me because if they got me mad, I was deadly from a block away with a rock.” His older brother Jerry helped show him the ropes, playing both football and basketball in grade school back in the early ’50s.

Attendance at Charleston High School

Pattin went to Charleston High School, where he pitched for the Trojans and quickly made a name for himself. Scouts and college recruiters noticed his impressive performances right away.

Just three days after turning 16, Pattin tossed a no-hitter against Martinsville, Indiana. He struck out 15 that day, with only a walk and two teammate errors standing between him and a perfect game. His 1970 Topps baseball card says he threw three no-hitters while in high school.

In his junior year, coach Merv Baker helped him get a job at Walt’s Café. Walt Warmoth, the owner, became like a father to Pattin and eventually told him not to worry about paying for college.

Role at Eastern Illinois University

Pattin decided to stay in his hometown for college and attended Eastern Illinois University. He kept working at Walt’s Café through his college years and stayed close with Warmoth, who continued to mentor him.

After his sophomore year, in the summer of 1963, Pattin joined the Champaign-Urbana team in the Central Illinois Collegiate League. The team won the championship, and Pattin pitched three one-hitters along the way. By the end of the season, the league named him a First Team All-Star.

In April 1964, near the end of his junior year, Pattin married Vera Replogle from Charleston. His EIU baseball teammates surprised the couple by forming an archway with bats outside the church.

That year, he posted a 10-3 record and struck out 130 batters, leading all small colleges in the National Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

His senior season’s highlight came on April 23, 1965, when he struck out 22 of 27 batters in a game against Illinois State in Normal. Pattin earned a bachelor’s degree in education and later got his master’s from EIU as well.

Nickname Origin: Bulldog and Duck

As a kid, Pattin picked up two nicknames that showed different sides of him. People called him “Duck” because he could do a Donald Duck voice impression that cracked up classmates and teammates.

His other nickname, “Bulldog,” fit his competitive streak and tough attitude on the mound. He always seemed to thrive under pressure and never backed down in a game.

There’s a funny story from fifth grade that shows how those two sides sometimes clashed. While pitching for Washington Elementary’s boys’ team against the girls, Pattin got so into his Donald Duck act that his pitching fell apart. After losing 12 games in a row, he flipped a coin to choose between pitching and entertaining. The coin landed on pitcher, and he went on to win the next game.

Post-Retirement Activities and Honors

After his 13-year Major League career, Marty Pattin jumped into coaching and got involved with his alma mater, Eastern Illinois University. The community recognized his impact with jersey retirement ceremonies.

Coaching and Mentoring Roles

Not long after he stopped playing, Pattin moved into college coaching. He took over as head coach for the University of Kansas baseball team in 1982 and stayed until 1987.

During those five years, Pattin used his Major League experience to help young players grow. His coaching style drew on 114 career wins and four American League Divisional playoff appearances.

Becoming a coach gave Pattin the chance to pass on what he’d learned to the next wave of baseball talent. His time at Kansas showed how much he cared about staying involved in the sport.

He kept mentoring even after leaving his official coaching job. People often spotted him at youth baseball games, especially cheering for his grandson.

Community Involvement in Charleston, IL

Pattin never really left Charleston, Illinois, behind. He became one of the town’s most beloved figures.

He did more than just baseball stuff, too. Pattin represented both Eastern Illinois University and his hometown as an ambassador.

He stayed especially connected to EIU, showing up at university events and keeping in touch with old teammates and coaches.

A local spot near EIU, “Marty’s,” carries his name. That honor says a lot about the mark he left on the campus and the community.

Jersey Retirement and Campus Recognition

Eastern Illinois University retired Pattin’s jersey on April 18, 2009. His No. 19 became the first baseball number the school ever retired.

They held the ceremony at Coaches Stadium during a doubleheader against Jacksonville State. Pattin joined just three other former student-athletes with this honor in EIU athletics history.

Former teammates who attended the ceremony included:

• Nick Balodimas
• Bob Clifford
• Ted Colbert
• Tad Heminger
• Robert Hoffek
• Dave Orr
• Gene Vidoni
• Head Coach Bill McCabe

The event honored Pattin’s role on the 1964 EIU team that finished second in the Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. That year, he went 5-0 in conference play and 10-1 overall.

No one at EIU will wear No. 19 again. That night, friends and family gathered for a banquet on campus to celebrate.

Marty Pattin’s Net Worth and Personal Life

During his 13 years in MLB, Marty Pattin’s finances reflected the modest pay of the pre-free agency era. His personal life revolved around family and community ties in Kansas and Illinois. He left a lasting mark on baseball through coaching, mentoring, and a love of farming and teaching.

Estimated Net Worth

No one’s published exact numbers for Pattin’s net worth, but his pay matched what most players got in the 1960s and 1970s. From 1968 to 1980, salaries just weren’t what they are now.

Pattin once mentioned that relief pitchers couldn’t make much unless they were top closers like Hoyt Wilhelm. That pushed him to become a starter for better financial chances.

To make ends meet, Pattin worked other jobs in the off-season. He taught as a substitute at Charleston’s Jefferson Junior High and kept working at Walt’s Café during college.

After his playing days, Pattin coached at the University of Kansas from 1982 to 1987. Later, he ran an apple orchard, keeping up his connection to farming from his childhood on his grandparents’ farm.

Legacy in Baseball Community

Pattin holds a unique spot in baseball history as the only Opening Day starting pitcher for the Seattle Pilots. His April 8, 1969 start against the California Angels still stands out in MLB records.

He was known for his pranks and sense of humor, earning the nickname “Duck” for those Donald Duck impressions. Teammates loved how he could lighten up the clubhouse.

His coaching years at Kansas gave him the chance to mentor young players and share his experiences. Pattin stayed active in baseball through teaching and supporting the next generation.

The baseball world appreciated what Pattin brought both on and off the field. EIU even named a bar, “Marty’s,” after him, celebrating his local roots and everything he accomplished.

Personal Interests Beyond Baseball

Pattin married Vera Replogle in April 1964, right in the middle of his junior year at Eastern Illinois University.

They had two sons—Jon, who was born in 1967, and another son in 1971.

He kept a strong connection to agriculture all his life. After he finished coaching, Pattin went back to farming and ran an apple orchard, which brought back memories of his grandparents’ farm from when he was a kid.

Education really mattered to Pattin. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Eastern Illinois University, studying education and industrial arts.

Walt Warmoth, who owned a local restaurant, stepped in as a father figure while Pattin was in high school.

That bond shaped Pattin’s appreciation for mentoring and staying involved in his community as an adult.