Matt Martin, who developed food offerings for the Columbus Clingstones’ ballpark, died Sunday after several days in a Mobile, Alabama, hospital’s intensive care unit following a motorcycle crash, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported.
Martin was executive chef at Synovus Park, now known as Pinnacle Park, for the Clingstones’ first two seasons, according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. Oak View Group, the Class AA Atlanta Braves affiliate’s third-party concessionaire, hired him.
Food at the Ballpark
Clingstones general manager Pete Laven recalled Martin as a skilled chef who was outgoing and drew people to him. Laven also said Martin cared deeply about food and live music, according to the newspaper.
Martin helped develop specialty menus for the Aflac Club and suites, Laven said. He also advocated for more variety and distinctive options across the stadium, the newspaper reported.
A Second-Season Menu
Before the Clingstones’ second season, the team introduced a new range of concession items. In its coverage of the unveiling, WTVM reported that Martin wanted the menu to offer fans alternatives to familiar ballpark food.
Martin said the new options were intended to give fans something different from a standard cheeseburger, WTVM reported. The team described the broader effort as an annual refresh of food, promotions and music for returning fans.
From Columbus to the Gulf Coast
After leaving Columbus following the 2026 season, Martin worked as a chef in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Ledger-Enquirer reported. The motorcycle crash occurred there, months after he left the Clingstones organization, and led to his hospitalization in Mobile.
Motorcycle Fatalities in Alabama
Alabama recorded 125 motorcycle fatalities in 2024, the highest total in the past decade, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The agency reported 92 fatalities in 2023 and 95 in 2022; these statewide figures do not establish the circumstances of Martin’s crash.
Funeral arrangements, an obituary and Martin's age were not available before publication, as reported by the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. No further details about the circumstances of the accident have been released.
