A Quiet Start, a Strong Arm

After a long day of leaving it all on the field, followed by a long travel day, Jack Martin decided to take a well-earned nap on the team bus as the Coast headed to a series against the Oakland Ballers on June 15.

The quick shut-eye was interrupted by teammates Zach Voelker and Tyler Young, who shook him awake to share some exciting news. Still barely conscious, Martin was shown an Instagram post from the Pioneer League announcing that he had been named Pitcher of the Week.

Martin earned the honor after dominating Modesto's lineup over seven strong innings in an 11-3 victory on June 10. He allowed just one earned run on six hits, did not issue a walk, and struck out five batters.

The New Jersey native and former NCAA Division III pitcher has been a key piece of the Coast's rotation this season, posting a 3-0 record while continuing to make hitters uncomfortable every time he takes the mound.

A KEY ARM 

After Martin's collegiate years, he played in the Pecos League and was scouted by the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds and current Long Beach Coast pitching coach, Jerome Williams. Williams invited him to spring training, where he earned a spot on the Coast roster and is now playing for Williams alongside 2002 World Series Champions Troy Glaus and Troy Percival. 

“They're basically libraries for baseball,” said Martin. “You can ask them anything, and they know it.”

The Coast coaching staff and management have been key not just to player development, but to building the culture of a new team. Their coaching philosophy is evident in how close the team is, and that chemistry translates on the field, as the Coast has won 24 of its first 30 games to back it up.

“The coaches care about the game,” said Martin. “They want us to have fun, and it's hard to do your job when you're not having fun.”

Martin is a team-first player who cares more about the outcome of the game than his individual accomplishments. As a starter, his goal is to keep his team in the game and give them the best chance to win. For the right-hander, success is not measured by personal statistics or awards, but by doing his job every time he takes the mound. 

“It's way easier to go out and do your job when you have a bunch of guys who are rooting for you and are playing behind you and want you to do good,” said Martin.

ATTACKING EVERY START

That same mindset shows up in how Martin attacks hitters.

“My mentality is no one can beat me when I'm up there,” said Martin.

His approach on the mound has evolved throughout the season as he’s continued to refine his pitch mix and lean into what works best in different situations.

“Just competing every pitch, not trying to get too high or too low on whatever outing,” said Martin.

While his sinker and two-seam fastball have significant movement and have been his most effective weapons, he has also added two new pitches to his arsenal, helping him keep hitters off balance and trust his defense behind him.

“After I have a bad outing, I'm not really trying to change a whole lot,” said Martin. “I'm just kind of using it as a learning lesson.”

As one of the younger players in the league and a Pitcher of the Week honoree, he’s gained confidence in his ability to perform.

“When I first started playing, I didn't feel like myself,” said Martin. “I am now playing how I should be, so it means a lot to me to now be doing good.”

WINNING MENTALITY

Hailing from New Jersey, this hurler didn’t exactly grow up in the “Jersey Shore” version people imagine. It was more country roads than boardwalks, so moving to a beach town has been quite the change of pace. When Martin moved down for spring training, he would pass by Blair Field, where he saw the community show up for the Dirtbags, and remembered the stadium being packed.

“I was excited to get out here and actually play in front of the hometown crowd and get going with the team,” said Martin.

For Martin, the early-season energy has stood out this season. It’s a group that shows up expecting to win, not just compete. That’s been clear to him since the start of the year.

“When you have 26 guys all on the same page, who all want to win, it makes the team dangerous,” said Martin.

That’s been the identity from the start and one that’s only grown stronger as the season has progressed.

WRITTEN BY: NINA CORRAL