"Boyish-looking Tippy Martinez has been married for five years, has a four-year-old son, has virtually secured his degree from Colorado State, and made his major league debut last season, jumping to the Yankees only a year after having pitched at Class A.
At age 24, that's quite a series of accomplishments, but Tippy's future seems even brighter. A relief pitcher of poise and control, he'd like to join Sparky Lyle as a southpaw in the Yankee bullpen. Some of that control was missing in the nervousness of his major league debut season, but having observed him in spring training a year ago, the Yankees know what Tippy is capable of."
-The New York Yankees Official 1975 Yearbook
"Tippy was virtually unknown when he arrived in spring training as a non-roster player a year ago, but he showed a great deal of poise and ability in camp, and was jumped from Kinston to Syracuse as the season opened, skipping Double-A. His work with the Chiefs was equally impressive and the Yankees purchased him on August 8. He made his major league debut the next day, stopping the Angels in Anaheim with one and a third innings of shutout relief. Ironically, Tippy had seen his first major league game at Anaheim Stadium several years before. His wildness was somewhat of a problem as the season continued, and his work was limited.
He's been virtually a full-time relief man since the Yankees signed him in 1972. He tied for the Carolina League in saves with 15 in 1973 and had eight for the Chiefs last season.
Tippy is of Spanish-Mexican descent but as a Colorado native, speaks very little Spanish.
He received a host of honors in high school and college and is only three credits short of a degree at Colorado State. Tippy played winter ball in Lara, Venezuela for Bobby Cox this winter.
His favorite player as a boy was Whitey Ford."
-New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide
MARTINEZ RECEIVES DAWSON AWARD
"Tippy Martinez, Yankee relief prospect currently at Syracuse, received the 1975 James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in spring training. The award, a handsome Longines watch, was presented on the final home game of spring training by Bill Virdon."
-1975 New York Yankees Scorecard & Official Magazine
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