Remembering Pittsfield’s ‘Mayor’

The purpose of this letter is to provide a letter of praise for Eugene Martin who died about this time in 2005, and in so doing, perhaps add some memories for his family and invoke some remembrances for those of us who were privileged to share athletic endeavors with him.

First, as a member of Whitcomb’s class of 1948, Gene led the boys basketball team into the Class "C" tournament, losing eventually in the semi-finals at Waterbury, but establishing the school as a small town power. Under the coaching of "Toots" Borella, he and his teammates, Johnny Fifield, Sid Bradley, "Skip" Townsend and Ike Gerrish, amazed the fans throughout that season with their fast breaking style, and the Whitcomb teams were the recipients of much press coverage both during the season and in the tournament. Gene, as the team’s center, rebounded fiercely, ran the court on the fast break, was the top scoring threat, and was a strong defender who exhorted his team and the fans to always play hard.

His reputation as a basketball player was matched by his ability on the baseball field, first as a shortstop for Whitcomb, and then for many years as a member of the Bethel town team. Again, to this writer who watched him first as a young fan and then was privileged to play with him on the field, Gene’s athletic ability was truly amazing, but his passion for winning and team play were the most noteworthy.

As a youngster who was playing the summer game with and against older men from different towns in the CVL, I was guilty of many mistakes and errors at second base. What I could count on from Gene, in his shortstop position, was a kick in the butt, and/or a pat on the back, delivered simultaneously at times, along with a constant chatter of encouragement to his team. My manner of "playing the game" was truly influenced by this man’s ability and spirit, and I remember him fondly.

Still, perhaps the most enjoyable memory of Gene, the unofficial Mayor of Pittsfield, was his pride in his hometown and his genuine enjoyment of his friends and family. On top of his athletic ability came a sharp sense of humor and a wry, tart tongue to those who crossed his path at the post office, store or local gathering spot.

For those who did not have the privilege of seeing his athletic prowess on the courts or the fields, you may only remember him in his role as the Postmaster, but for those of us who did witness his games, he was one of the best of a long line of excellent athletes from Stockbridge and Pittsfield, and he left a legacy for many of us to strive for.

Whitcomb has had, and continues to have, many fine teams and excellent players, both male and female. Gene could have held his own with any of their achievements, but his community pride, strong spirit and team play would put him at the top of the list in any era.

Thanks for the opportunity to remember the man and to honor his memory.

Richard Brown

Pittsfield

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