Harold D. Martin facts for kids
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 14, 1899 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | March 23, 1945 (aged 45) near Reidsville, North Carolina |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| 1916–1919 | Norwich |
| Baseball | |
| 1921 | Pittsburgh Keystones |
| Position(s) | Third baseman (baseball) |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1921–1923 | Virginia Union |
| 1924–1926 | Shaw |
| 1927–1932 | Virginia Normal/State |
| Basketball | |
| 1924–1927 | Shaw |
| Baseball | |
| 1922–1924 | Virginia Union |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 1921–1924 | Virginia Union |
| 1924–1927 | Shaw |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 63–22–12 (football) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Football 4 CIAA (1921, 1923, 1929, 1931) Basketball 1 CIAA (1927) Baseball 2 CIAA (1922, 1924) Tennis 2 CIAA (1926) |
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Harold Douglas "Doc" Martin (born April 14, 1899 – died March 23, 1945) was an amazing American athlete and coach. He played American football and Negro league baseball. Martin was also a successful football coach at several universities. He led teams at Virginia Union University, Shaw University, and Virginia State University. His total coaching record in college football was 63 wins, 22 losses, and 12 ties.
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The Life of Harold "Doc" Martin
Harold Martin started his sports journey in 1916. He made history as the first African American cadet at Norwich University in Norwich, Vermont. At Norwich, he was a talented athlete. He played football, baseball, ice hockey, and ran track.
Education and Early Career
After college, Martin continued his education. He earned a master's degree from New York University. He then became a teacher at Miner Teachers College. This school is now known as the University of the District of Columbia.
In 1921, Martin became the athletic director at Virginia Union University. An athletic director manages all the sports programs at a school. He later moved to Shaw University in 1924, also as their athletic director.
A Champion Coach
"Doc" Martin was known for his success in coaching many sports. He won several championships in the CIAA. This is a major sports conference for historically Black colleges and universities.
- Football: He won 4 CIAA championships (1921, 1923, 1929, 1931).
- Basketball: His team won 1 CIAA championship (1927).
- Baseball: He led his teams to 2 CIAA championships (1922, 1924).
- Tennis: His tennis teams also won 2 CIAA championships (1926).
Serving His Country
In 1942, Harold Martin joined the United States Army. He served as a major, which is a high-ranking officer. Sadly, he died in an aircraft crash on March 23, 1945. The accident happened near Reidsville, North Carolina. Harold "Doc" Martin was buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
