A 1974 graduate of Colbert County High School, Marty was and outstanding baseball player for the Indians, lettering 4 years while helping to lead the Tribe to the state finals in 1973. He was selected to the All-Area team in both 1973 and 1974, batting over .400 throughout his high school career. He was chosen to play in the East-West All Star games following the 1973 and 1974 baseball seasons. Following high school he was awarded a scholarship to Calhoun Community College in Decatur where he continued to excel as the Warhawks won the State Junior College Championship in 1975 and 1976. Marty lettered two years for Calhoun, was the team MVP in 1975, All- Conference in 1975, and All-Region in 1976. He was the Calhoun Golden Glove Award winner in 1976 as part of a middle infield that set a school record for double plays in a season. Following his sophomore season he was awarded a scholarship to the University of North Alabama. Once his playing days concluded Marty became active in youth league baseball, coaching Babe Ruth baseball for 12 years and serving as Colbert County Babe Ruth Association President for 10 years.