Hilo sportsman passes on

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

Services are pending through Dodo Mortuary.

Hilo sportsman and longtime community athlete Martin Esteban, Jr. passed away at home on Tuesday, surrounded by his four children and wife Edie. It was a peaceful passing, according to daughter Tina (Esteban) Cook.

Cook said the 77-year-old Esteban lost his battle to bile duct cancer.

For his many outstanding contributions to local sports over the years, Esteban was inducted into the Big Island Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

Esteban played softball for the Honomu Rockets as part of the Hawaii County Senior Citizens Softball league and had a long and distinguished career, Cook said.

In high school, Esteban lettered in three sports — basketball, baseball and football — while growing up on the island of Lanai and later Oahu.

It was baseball that Esteban is best known for, as he pitched six no-hitters while in high school. During his senior year, he attended Farrington High on Oahu where he was named the school’s Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Edie, three sons; Nate, Greg and Martin; and daughter, Tina.

Services are pending through Dodo Mortuary.