Marty Appel
Class of 1970
 
Education
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
 
Undergraduate Highlights
Sports Editor for State Times, 1966-67
Intramural softball four years
Interviewed MLB Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson
 
Professional Bio
New York Yankees Public Relations, 1968-77 – Director 1973-77
MLB Spokesperson for Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, 1979-80
WPIX Television, 1980-92 – Director of Public Relations and VP for Sports
Vice President Public Relations – Atlanta Committee for Olympic Games, 1992-93
MLB, 1993-94 – Public Relations Counsel to Player Relations Committee
The Topps Company, 1994-98 – Public Relations Director
Marty Appel Public Relations, 1998-present
Author of 24 books including five New York Times best-sellers
 
Personal Reflections
I was privileged to be able to serve as Sports Editor of the State Times as a freshman, and then as Editor-in-Chief as a sophomore (still paying plenty of attention to our sports coverage).  These were golden days for Red Dragon sports, especially in soccer and men's swimming.  I've always enjoyed - even been inspired by - people in athletics, and there was no shortage at SUCO.  It was an honor to report on their feats and observe their hard work up close.
 
As my freshman year drew to a close, I was inspired to write to the Yankees in search of a summer job - "doing anything."  I remember sitting at my desk in Golding and typing the letter.  To my amazement, I was invited in for an interview.  It went well, and I was hired to answer Mickey Mantle's fan mail, wrapping my availability around my college obligations.
 
My career proceeded fairly rapidly from there, and by 1973 I had become the youngest public relations director in Major League history.  Suddenly I was in daily meetings with no less than George Steinbrenner and his department heads.  Often in those meetings, my courses from Dr. Frank O'Mara - "Argumentation and Debate" and "Group Discussion" kicked in and served me well.  I'd smile to myself as I recalled those days and how I was now applying it to real life. 
 
People asked in being near Cooperstown, or in a Yankee farm team town, helped me in my development in sports administration.  Nope.  Cooperstown was great to visit and I did so often, but the Oneonta Yankees were a summer league and I wasn't there in the summers.  It was all about the education and experience I got on campus.  And it's all with me still.
 
Appel, along with four former student athletes will be part of the 18th SUNY Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame class to be inducted on Saturday, Sep. 17.  This year's class will bring the number of inductees to 131 individuals including 10 honorary inductees.  The induction will take place in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House and will begin at noon.  The induction is free and open to the public.