Emporia State athletic director Steve Rodecap looked back to Hornet baseball history to find his new baseball coach. Former player and coach John Martin is the sixth baseball coach in program history the school announced Monday. Martin spent the last decade at Central Oklahoma and led the Bronchos to five NCAA Tournaments and two MIAA titles including last year’s MIAA Tournament championship. Martin went 318-181-1 with the ‘Chos and coached three players selected in the MLB draft. Martin previously coached four years at Coffeyville Community College where he led the Red Ravens to a 133-105 record and four super-regional appearances. The Shawnee, Kan. native played one year at Hutchinson Community College before a three-year Hornet career. As a senior, the catcher hit .303 and threw out 17 baserunners. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the 24th round of the 2006 MLB draft and started his coaching career in 2008 at ESU under Bob Fornelli. He helped lead E-State to a 134-42 record including aiding the Hornets to a national runner-up finish in 2009. He also coached the Liberal Bee Jays for two years including the 2010 NBC World Series title.
Martin Returns Home to Hornet Baseball
Courtesy ESU Athletics.
