Mike Martinez named freshman All-American

DH Mike Martinez has been named to the 2009 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American team, it was announced Wednesday by Collegiate Baseball newspaper. Martinez is the first FIU freshman to garner All-America honors since Tyler Townsend did it in 2006.

Photo courtesy Samuel Lewis

“This is a great honor for Mike,” said FIU head baseball coach Turtle Thomas. “Mike went from a guy that we thought might redshirt in 2008 to earning consistent playing time. He developed very well throughout the year and swung the bat really well. He has a very bright future and I expect his power numbers to continue to rise.”

Martinez burst onto the scene in FIU’s series win at Louisiana-Monroe, hitting .615 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in the three-game set. He went on to have a stellar debut campaign, hitting .335 on the year with six homers and 37 RBIs. Martinez was especially productive in conference play, hitting .363 with five home runs and 25 runs batted in. His play in Sun Belt games earned Martinez a spot on the All-Sun Belt Conference First Team.