Back in the early 80’s both during Legion ball (SPYA) and High School (PHS) there was an umpire we hoped would be calling our games. I realize that is not quite the norm but this was no ordinary umpire.
I recall him blasting out the count with nary the need for a PA announcer.
He would draw the score in the dirt with his shoe between innings lest anyone not see the scoreboard.
Every ball, strike or out call was a show in itself and there was no one who knew the rules better.
He was animated, boisterous, and entertaining.
He was definitely the Most Interesting Umpire in Baseball.
When he was behind the plate the strikes called themselves.
When he rung you up – you thanked him.
(Feel free to add more “Most Interesting Umpire in Baseball” quips below)
Those who listen to the IronPigs radio broadcasts are well aware of clubhouse worker “Uncle Marty”.
I just discovered that Uncle Marty is non other than Marty Ondrovic, the local umpire and referee legend mentioned above!
If you played sports in the Lehigh Valley back in the day you certainly knew Uncle Marty – back then we just called him Sir.
Go Pigs!
OinK On!
DiPro’s Dish
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
More than a great umpire and clubhouse worker, “Uncle Marty” is a true gentleman, a font of baseball knowledge, and a hard-working steward of the sport to any child who ever played the game or attended one.
He devoted a lifetime to youth baseball in the Lehigh Valley. Just watch the people who come up to greet him at ‘Pigs games and you’ll soon realize the impact he’s had. Forty-somethings who played Legion ball when they were teen-agers remember him fondly and always stop by to say hello, and parents do likewise.
Watch him at ‘Pigs games and you’ll see that he always seeks out a couple of young kids to give them baseballs. The looks of delight on their faces are testament to his ability to pique their interest in the game.
I’ve met a lot of good people at Coca-Cola Park, and Marty Ondrovic is right there at the top. Thanks, Marty, for reminding me that the spirit of baseball is still alive.
Well put Jim! Unfortunately, I only know Marty as the umpire from my child-hood. Hopefully, that will change soon!
I played in High School and Connie Mack in the late 70’s. Marty was a great umpire and I do remember him when he umped the bases and would draw the score in the dirt with his foot. One time, he was looking away and I crossed the score out with my foot. I though he was going to throw me out, but he just laughed about it. Great umpire, but even a greater person.
Old “rabbit ears” sees all and hears all! 🙂
I’m privileged to have known Marty for nearly 45 years. I played dozens of games in the 60’s with Marty as an umpire, both high school and American Legion. He also was a referee in some of my high school football games. His son Mike followed in his footsteps and was also a very good umpire. Marty worked several American Legion World Series games as well as being rules interpreter for PIAA Baseball. I still talk to him about some of the controversial calls and he remembers every one of them down to the smallest detail although he doesn’t always remember them the same way I do. Marty was a great umpire and he’d be the first one to let you know it. I say that with all due respect because there’s no greater ambassador for the game of baseball in the Lehigh Valley than uncle Marty. Pushing 80 and still going strong.
I was wondering if any of the folks here knew Marty… I had known about his association with the P I A A, and wondered if he had worked any of the preseason Pigs/R-Phils games that are not run by either the IL or EL.
Not as far as I know R.D. Marty retired from umpiring about 8 years ago and probably doesn’t move too well anymore. I believe I recall longtime Bangor HS coach Bill Pensyl umping one of those preseason exhibitions but I can’t recall the others.
Aye-aye on Coach Pensyl… he was at the RDG game this year (Thanks TV2!)
I’ll be happy if I move as well as Marty does when I get to be his age!
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