Arr! Mike Martin, thee coach with th' most victories in college baseball, be takin' his final journey at 79.
2024-02-02
Avast ye hearties! Florida State's famed baseball master, Cap'n Mike Martin, the mightiest skipper in college ball's annals, has set sail fer Davy Jones' locker at the ripe age o' 79, after a fierce engagement wit' Lewy body dementia that lasted three long years. Fair winds 'n' smooth seas, Cap'n!
Mike Martin, the winningest coach in college baseball history, passed away at the age of 79. He was the head coach at Florida State University from 1980 to 2019 and died after battling Lewy body dementia for three years. Martin led Florida State to the NCAA Tournament 40 times and made 17 appearances in the College World Series, tying a record. He finished his career with a record of 2,029-736-4, making him the all-time winningest coach in any NCAA sport.The Seminoles never won a national title under Martin, but they finished second twice in Omaha, Nebraska. Martin was highly respected and beloved in the world of college baseball. He was known for his enthusiasm, energy, and insistence on playing the game with class. Martin brought Florida State to the College World Series in both his first and last seasons as head coach. He won 19 conference titles and was named Conference Coach of the Year 13 times.
Martin's emphasis on education and ensuring his players understood their responsibilities off the field was a significant part of his coaching philosophy. He coached several players who went on to be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft, including Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants.
Mike Martin is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.
[Source: Fox News]