"Nicknamed 'Billy the Kid,' Martin was born in Berkeley, May 16, 1928, of Italian-Portuguese descent. He throws right, bats right, is 5'11" and weighs 160. He attended Berkeley High School where he won awards in baseball and basketball, making all-star teams in both sports."
-1948 Signal Gasoline Oakland Oaks
1951
Billy announced his arrival in the majors with two hits in one inning during the Yankees' 1950 season opener in Boston. His first big league at-bat in the eighth inning resulted in an RBI double off Red Sox ace Mel Parnell. His second at-bat that inning was a two-out two-RBI single as the New Yorkers went on to a 15-10 victory. This brash youngster is a favorite of Yankee skipper Casey Stengel.In 1947 Billy excelled with a .392 average and 230 hits in 130 games for Phoenix of the Arizona-Texas League. Joining Stengel on the Oakland club of the Pacific Coast league later that season, he saw regular duty at second base in 1948 as the Oaks captured the PCL pennant. In his final season with Oakland in 1949, Billy saw action in 172 games.
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