Gilbert "Jivi" Martinez

Gilbert began pitching softball at the age of 15 and not only did he develop a passion for the sport, he was quite talented as well. In addition, he was involved in Track & Field while in Junior High and, at the time, set a record in the high jump of 5'6" -- this was quite an accomplishment in light of the fact that he jumped "straight up" rather than the sideways jumps of today's high jumpers.

As an aside, Gilbert likes to tell the story as to why he did not graduate from high school -- he was not allowed to play softball during his senior year and, since that was the main reason for his being in school (!!), he opted to leave and not complete his senior year!

In 1943 Gilbert entered WWII. He was stationed stateside in Florida, Palm Springs and Santa Monica among other nationwide cities. Twice he was to go overseas and twice he severely twisted/fractured each ankle. He was extremely disappointed when this happened as the sentiment of the day was to fight the enemy!

He was in New Orleans in 1945 when it was announced that the war had ended. A very memorable day for all! He recalls how happy people were dancing & singing on Canal Street in the heart of New Orleans.

Shortly thereafter he was discharged in 1946 returning to San Bernardino where he continued playing softball, I believe at Perris Hill Ballpark.

The big city lights of Los Angeles attracted him (and his ball-playing skills!) and he moved to Los Angeles in 1948 where he lived with his Aunt Dona Rosa and her family. He was now playing softball often, in a semi-pro league, and getting paid!

Around this time Gilbert met the beautiful Mary Jimenez through cousins of hers that also played softball. They dated for 2 years and married in 1950 settling in Los Angeles. They had two daughters, Mary Alice ("Alice") and Teresa ("Terry"). In 1963 they bought a home in Monterey Park and moved the family to this house (which Gilbert owned until 2005).

Gilbert was a meat cutter for the majority of his career. Mary was a homemaker. They decided jointly to invest in rental properties allowing Gilbert to retire in 1979 at the age of 55. Gilbert & Mary enjoyed traveling and especially going often to Las Vegas. Although Gilbert was not a gambler by any stretch he enjoyed watching Mary play the poker slot machines. Mary passed away in 1994 one day before their 44th anniversary.

In 1995 Gilbert remarried (Elvira Castillo) and lived in Rialto, CA minutes away from the family home in which he grew up on 7th St. in San Bernardino.

Gilbert loved to laugh and especially loved corny jokes. We picture him laughing now in heaven. He was a wonderful person and loved by all.