Courtesy of Coppin State Athletic Communications
Senior righthander Anthony Martinez was a constant in the Coppin State bullpen the last three years before moving to the starting rotation this season. In 35 career games on the mound, Martinez ranks ninth in CSU history with 31 relief appearances and has struck out 43 batters in 67.0 career innings. Martinez had his best season as a junior in 2019 when he made a career-high 15 appearances and recorded a 3.25 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 27.2 innings.
Q: Why did you choose Coppin State?
I decided to settle in at Coppin State because of the overall school size. I knew that one of the most important things on my checklist would be to find myself at an institution that had tolerable class sizes so that I could make relationships with my professors. Secondly, I knew that Coppin State historically was not the most premiere program, yet the people I met on my first official visit convinced me that this place had promise. On top of that, I was able to form a great relationship with my coaching staff early on. My family has a great deal of respect for the person head coach Sherman Reed is and has continued to be throughout my four years.
Q: What is your major and what would you like to do with it after graduation?
My major is Biology with a minor in Chemistry. From a young age, one of my biggest role models has been my grandfather. The man has never stopped working and more importantly has always put people before himself. Whether it be with projects such as Habitat for Humanity or assisting in homeless shelters through his church, etc. Taking that into account and following graduation, it is my ultimate goal to find myself in a position to help people in the best way possible. Whether that be pharmaceuticals, physical therapy or a personal trainer, only time will tell with new opportunities coming my way.
Q: Did you play any other sports growing up and what made you decide on baseball? Who were your favorite athletes growing up and why?
Growing up in Florida, and being fortunate enough to be able to play year-round, baseball was my passion from the beginning. I always had a ball in my hand for as long as I can remember. Whether it be a baseball, football, tennis ball, you name it. Throwing objects seemed to always come pretty natural for me. My parents wanted me to wait for high school to roll around before I ever experimented with football and I did so. After a year of experiencing the game and getting a little time at the quarterback position, I knew it wasn't for me. Growing up in Florida, I had always been a huge Tampa Bay Lightning fan. Hockey was electric and the rush when the fog horns would go off in Amalie Arena is something I'll never forget. In Little League and growing up I was never the biggest kid. My inspiration and favorite number came from Martin St. Louis, a left wing from Canada. His "disadvantage" in the height column always motivated him and he was one of the greatest players the organization had ever seen. Growing up, I kept my inspiration close and always wore number 26 even through high school. In college, I didn't get the chance to wear 26 so I referred to 33, which was worn by James Shields, a pitcher that I always admired for his unbelievable changeup in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.
Q: What is your favorite memory from playing baseball at Coppin State?
I think the thing I will miss most is making memories with my teammates whether it be the long flights, bus rides, and shenanigans in the dorms when finding ways to not become bored. On the field, I'll never forget actually getting out there on the big stage in Los Angeles, CA, for the very first time against a very talented University of Southern California team. My favorite memory though was definitely when we captured the Northern Division title in 2018 on the road against rival Norfolk State. Being able to be apart of such a close-knit group all year made things special. As a team we played with fire and weren't scared of anybody. With that being said, the trips to Daytona Beach for conference play were that much better. I'll have great teammates and brothers forever.
Q: Is there anything that you have learned so far in regards to this global epidemic with COVID-19 and will it cause you to change anything in your life?
I think we've all had some learning to do quite honestly. When things such as this virus come about, we as a country need to do some readjusting and get back to basic techniques such a personal hygiene and frequently reminding ourselves to wash our hands. What I have taken from all of this is that you never know what can happen at any one moment. Just as the season came to an abrupt end far too early, leave nothing unsaid. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded me to reach out often to those who are of importance in your life. Build relationships and also continue to ones you have had. Friends and family whom you may have not heard from recently, talk to them and let them know that you are thinking of them throughout this process. As far as changes in my life, I don't see anything permanent happening. For the time being I'm going to work out from home with what I have as consistently as I can. When this all surpasses, I'm sure we will all be very anxious to travel to see family, friends, and to get back into the gym of course.
Q: What are songs that are on your Quarantine Playlist?
Well, I don't have a specific "quarantine playlist," however, I have been listening to a lot of underground artists with relaxing vibes. You can ask my teammates, I am a huge music person and my library is pretty extensive. Mac Miller is always one I can refer to for good messages. Even though he passed two years ago, his community and fan support is huge. His team of producers has released some of his music that he didn't get a chance to put out himself and it has been great to hear his voice. A lot of good messages reside in his music, whether it be family oriented, fun, or slower relaxing stuff, it all is relevant.
Q: The NCAA Committee is recommending that eligibility relief be provided to all student-athletes who participate in spring sports. What would getting an extra year to play baseball mean to you?
I have two classes in the fall coming up and one in the spring to complete my graduation. At the moment I haven't decided if I will use my extra year of eligibility yet. This whole situation has not set in yet, still feels very strange. At home I am continuing to throw and get my work in with my brother. As myself and other teammates would always say, it's a "game-time decision."