Joliet Catholic’s Steve Martin is just fine with sharing a name with the famous actor and comedian.
Martin gets some jokes about it, more from older generations than teammates or opponents. And he has always been a fan of his namesake.
“It’s not annoying having the same name as a celebrity,” Martin said. “I get it a lot, especially from parents and stuff. It’s fun. I’m definitely not as funny as him. He’s a good actor. I love him.
“‘Plains, Trains and Automobiles’ is my favorite. I love that one.”
The Hilltoppers’ Martin has a more serious nature than his counterpart, however.
The senior catcher/outfielder leads by example, according to Joliet Catholic coach Jared Voss, who pointed to Martin working extra hard to get the tarp fastened down on the field after Monday’s East Suburban Catholic Conference game with Marist was postponed due to rain.
“He’s kind of a throwback Joliet Catholic kid,” Voss said. “His dad (Chris) is an alum. He’s not a rah-rah guy, but he brings his lunch pail, shows up every single day and he’s just always committed, whether it’s practice or a game.
“He’s just consistent. He’s having a good year, too.”
Martin is hitting .359 and his 18 RBIs are tied for the team lead. He had a standout performance in Saturday’s 4-2 win over St. Patrick, finishing 3-for-3 with a run.
The Hilltoppers (9-13) have endured some tough stretches this season, but Martin has done his best to keep spirits high.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries, a lot of adversity.” Martin said. “I just have to stay positive for all my teammates and keep grinding.
“A lot of guys are playing positions they’re not used to, but I think we’re succeeding overall considering the circumstances.”
Martin’s dad, who played football for the Hilltoppers, instilled school pride for his alma mater in Steve when he was a little kid.
“I grew up going to all the sporting events when I was little,” Martin said. “It’s awesome to see like, ‘Wow, I’m here playing like the guys that I saw when I was little.’”
Senior catcher/infielder AJ Perez noted that Martin’s love for the Hilltoppers is evident in how hard he works every day.
“Steve has done a great job leading as well and connecting with the younger guys and helping them get used to the way things go around here,” Perez said. “He’s always helping lead the fielders with what plays are coming next and helping them stay locked in at all times.”
Martin also played football for the Hilltoppers as a defensive back, earning all-conference honors last fall in the CCL/ESCC.
He values those connections he has made as a multisport athlete.
“You just get to know everyone, really,” Martin said. “I’ve made friends with so many guys playing sports here and there are great coaches, everything. It’s just a great experience.
“From football, I learned the grind of practicing every day at 100%. I definitely take that into baseball. We’re always out here every day. If it’s raining, we’ll go to an indoor facility. We always get our work in no matter what.”
Martin is still figuring out his plans for after graduation. If competitive sports are not a part of his future, he’s ready to accept that.
After all, going out in a Joliet Catholic jersey seems appropriate.
“A lot of guys say they love travel ball more than school ball but I’m the opposite,” Martin said. “I love JCA. I love playing here. It’s a great atmosphere all the time. I love our field. I just love being here with all these guys.
“I’m just ready to give my all for JCA these last few weeks and see what we can do.”
