Former Cookeville High standout Todd Martin will be taking his baseball skills from Tennessee back to Middle Tennessee -- as in Middle Tennessee State University. The junior-to-be will transfer from the University of Tennessee for his final two years of eligibility.
In two years at UT, Martin had gotten just five starts, although his playing time increased at the end of the Volunteers' 2004 season as they made the NCAA Regional. But after sitting on the bench most of the time as a freshman and sophomore, Martin decided it was time for a change.
"It was a hard decision, something I had to think about and pray about for a long time," he said. "Basically, it just came down to playing. I love all my teammates that I had with UT, and that was the hard thing for me. I had two years of eligibility left, and I thought I was going to be starting this past year, and I couldn't take a chance on not playing again next year."
This season, Martin batted .267 in 23 games, getting just 30 at-bats, as he was often a defensive replacement in the outfield. He had four doubles and eight runs to his credit.
According to Martin, his time in Knoxville was enjoyable, but it was his future that he was concerned about.
"I loved UT, I loved the SEC," said Martin, who is playing this summer in the Atlantic Coast League for the Jersey Colts. "I just didn't want to take a chance sitting out another year. I like watching the game, but I love playing the game. I felt like it was the right move for me at this time."
After appearing in a handful of games as a freshman, Martin thought he might be a full-timer as a sophomore. He started during fall ball, but suffered an injury, putting him behind coming into spring.
"During the fall, I got hurt and I was out for the rest of fall practice," he said. "I never worked my way back into the starting lineup. I got a little frustrated."
As with most players, Martin would love the opportunity to play professional baseball. Players become eligible for the Major League Baseball draft after their junior year, meaning the clock was ticking on Martin getting some exposure.
"I have two years where I haven't gotten that many at bats, most of my time has been during summer ball," he said. "Coming up on my junior year, I just want to get in and play, and if I play, then I'll start getting comfortable. Maybe I'll get a look somewhere, just see what will happen."
MTSU was a natural place for Martin to go, as head coach Steve Peterson was one of the finalists to get Martin's services out of high school.
"There were some other options, other places I could have gone, but MTSU recruited me right out of high school," he said. "I got nothing but good vibes from the coaches when I met them out of high school, and I knew what kind of people they were and what kind of program they run. It seems like the right move."
Martin also hopes to come in and play right away for the Blue Raiders, who graduate two starting outfielders, Chuck Akers and Shane Kemp.
"I have to come in and earn it," said Martin. "Coach told me I have a great opportunity to start and play everyday."
Martin will add to the strong contingent of Tennessee players on the MTSU roster, as 35 of 39 players are from Tennessee, with three from Kentucky and one from Alabama. Two other former Cookeville High players (Robert Toline and Drew Cook) are also listed on the MTSU roster.
Todd Martin Link:
http://utsports.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/martin_todd00.html
