Martinez Resigns As Head Coach At Sagemont

Tommy Martinez took over the Sagemont Lions baseball program seven seasons ago with plans to turn the team into a state contender, much like he did in his days with Florida Bible. After building the Lions program back to respectability, Martinez has decided to step down as the team’s head coach.

“I had a good time here,” said Martinez. “It was a challenging position that I accepted seven years ago, and we made some big strides. I loved the kids I coached.”

Martinez was hampered by his inability to devote full athletic energy to the coaching position due to lingering physical problems developed in an accident several years ago. Martinez is widely considered to be one of the top hitting instructors in South Florida, and even with the injury, the now-former Sagemont coach was able to help develop top hitters by working on their mental approaches to the game.

Shortly after the Lions’ team banquet on May 10th, Martinez met with Sagemont Headmaster Brent Goldman, and was told that the school was looking for a coach who could be on staff at the school and be around the players all day long. Despite leaving Sagemont, Martinez has no ill-feelings towards the school or administration.

“I applaud the headmaster for all of his hard work and dedication to making the Sagemont baseball program strong across the board,” Martinez said. “I thanked him for the opportunity, and told him there are no hard feelings. I will be rooting for the program to succeed in the future.”

Martinez leaves Sagemont with a career record of 238-117, which spans 17 years. On his resume, Martinez has seven coach of the year awards, nine district titles, five regional championships, and two state final four appearances. At Sagemont, he won two district titles in seven years.

Asked whether this was the end of the line on his coaching career, Martinez was non-committal, but said he has already turned down several offers for next season.

“I have been asked if I want to help out by a couple of coaches, but right now I’m not sure I want to do that. I would like to spend more time with my children, and that can’t happen if I’m coaching.”

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