When we asked the fans to look back at the 1980s and select the decade’s defining talent, the voice of the community was clear. Emerging from a field of legendary competitors, Marty Kernaghan of Grafton, Ontario, has been voted the Best Player of the 1980s.
With a commanding 39.8% of the fan vote, Kernaghan finished well ahead of contemporaries like Brian Rothrock (16.1%) and Chad Corcoran (15.1%), proving that his impact on the diamond remains etched in the minds of fastball enthusiasts decades later.
A Multi-Sport Phenom from Grafton
Born and raised in Grafton, Marty Kernaghan was a natural athlete who didn’t just participate in sports—he dominated them. Before becoming a household name in the ISC, he was a decorated winner in both the Ontario Amateur Softball Association and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
His transition to the elite levels of fastball was seamless. By 1978, he was already making waves with Oshawa Tony’s, hitting three home runs in his ISC World Tournament debut. This was just a glimpse of the power and precision that would eventually lead him to the ISC Hall of Fame in 2002.
The 1980s: A Decade of Dominance
The 1980s represented the peak of Kernaghan’s powers. Known for his versatility as an infielder (IF) and his lethal presence at the plate, he became a cornerstone for some of the greatest teams in the era:
- The Power Hitter: In 1985, while playing for Alberta Brake & Clutch out of Calgary, Marty led the ISC World Tournament in runs batted in, driving in 10 RBIs and cementing his reputation as one of the most feared clutch hitters in the game.
- The Sioux City Era: His move to Penn Corp in Sioux City, Iowa, is the stuff of legend. The team was so dedicated to having Marty in the lineup that they utilized a corporate pilot to fly him to games. In a testament to his “all-in” personality, Marty didn’t just ride in the plane—he learned to fly it, eventually becoming a licensed corporate pilot himself.
- A Winning Pedigree: Beyond the ISC, Kernaghan’s 1980s resume is glittering with gold. He represented Team Canada at the 1983 Pan Am Championships, bringing home the gold medal and establishing himself as a world-class elite.
Career Stats & Accolades
Throughout his storied career, Marty was the model of consistency. Between 1984 and 1995, he appeared in 11 ISC World Tournaments, missing only one season due to a broken leg.
| Category | Career Highlight |
| Batting Average | .361 (ISC World Tournament play) |
| All-World Selections | 8-time recipient (4 First Team, 4 Second Team) |
| International Success | Gold Medalist (1983 Pan Am, 1992 ISF Worlds) |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2002 |
Why the Fans Chose Marty
While the stats tell the story of a great player, the fan vote reflects the story of a fastball icon. Whether he was manning shortstop with elite range or driving a ball over the fence in the bottom of the seventh, Marty Kernaghan played with a style that resonated with the bleachers.
From the small town of Grafton to the bright lights of the ISC World Stage, Marty Kernaghan wasn’t just a player of the 1980s—he was the player of the 1980s.
