2/1/2024 baseball Edit

Baseball players, FSU community remembers Mike Martin Sr.

Bob Ferrante • TheOsceola

Editor

Florida State baseball players, broadcasters share their thoughts and memories on Mike Martin Sr.

Luis Alicea (1984-86): "It all started in the fall of 1983 when FSU had a try out in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. After the tryout, coach Martin approach me, and showed me the brochure of FSU. At that moment the decision was easily made. The glossy paper, the quality and, of course, the mascot made easy for me to choose FSU. In the summer of 1984 on June 7 I arrive in Tallahassee, were coach Martin and Jr. (Meat) came to pick me up at the TLH Airport. I remember Coach Martin trying to speak with me and the only thing he could say was chocolate. We had just drove in front of a Dairy Queen and he wanted to feed me a burger and a chocolate milk shake. A day later he took me into Tully Gym, and he was trying to tell me my transcript was good and I was accepted into the school, but the language barrier forced Mike to draw a map of USA, the state of Florida, and where he thought Puerto Rico was in the map, with an airplane and arrow projecting staying or going back to PR. Then I had to correct Mike on the geography part where he placed PR near Africa. My family and myself will be for always thankful for taking a chance on a kid from PR and help him become a man. Coach 11 instilled on us work ethic and how to play the game the Seminole way. His Legendary career and amazing memories will never be forgotten. Words like, Patttna, Bubba, Jimmini Christmas, Dead Gummit, to say few were some of the first I learned from Mike. Our prayers and condolences with all of his family specially to His wife Carrol that was his rock and Jr. (Meat). RIP 11"

James Ramsey (2009-12) and now Georgia Tech's associate head coach: "I think the moments I remember and draw from all the time as a coach were the post game speeches in the clubhouse. He always could feel the pulse of the team and deliver exactly the message we needed to hear. He had our backs, and we had his. 11 held us accountable to the standard of FSU Baseball, and made sure that each and every team he coached made everyone in Tallahassee and beyond proud to be Seminoles. “It’s about Us.” The winningest coach in the sport never made it about himself. We were a family, and we played like it every time we took the field."

Tyler Holton (2016-18) and now with the Detroit Tigers: "It’s hard to believe it to be honest. Heaven gained a great one today. He’s impacted so many people and was a powerful man of God who led so many others to Christ. My biggest memory of 11 is always going to be him during practice yelling “THIS ONE TAKES US BACK” on the last rep of whatever drill we were running. Of course, he was implying back to Omaha. He wanted all of his players to experience Omaha and he accomplished that goal many, many times. I will forever be grateful for Mike Martin and the opportunity he gave me to wear the garnet and gold."

Cal Raleigh (2016-18) and now with the Seattle Mariners: "I will forever be grateful for everything 11 did for my family and I. He taught me so much both on the and off the field. A true pro and an amazing person that I was lucky enough to play for. He will be greatly missed and I will always cherish my years spent with him and the Florida State family."

JC Flowers (2017-19): "Just a remarkable human being. 11 lit up every room he walked in with his infectious smile and genuine down to earth energy. I think the most important part about Mike Martin Sr. Legacy is how much he loved his wife Carol, his family, and his honest and open relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter the wins and losses. 11 was a winner at life. RIP to the GOAT!"

Mike Loynd (1983-86): "I was very fortunate to have had '11' as my coach and that FSU was our platform to put our skills to the test. I will miss him. Out of all the coaches that I had, Mike was one of the few that I felt truly cared.I wish I could have thanked him, one more time, for giving me an opportunity and being my coach. We both love Florida State University and I would have told that I loved him too.

Doug Mientkiewicz (1993-95): "The best to ever do it! I will cherish the talks, the messages, the battles. I’m a better man because of him! I’m forever grateful."

Mike Brady (1987-90): "Coach Martin taught all of his players that you can be a fierce competitor and a fantastic mentor and family man, all while becoming the very best there is in your line of work. We learned that being one of those things doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the others."

Kevin Dodge (1981-83): "I am very sad to hear about the passing of Mike Martin today. I had the honor of playing for Coach Martin, the winningest coach in college baseball history and appreciate everything he did for me as a player but also as a young man. I loved his competitive spirit and how he protected his family on the field/his team. I have some incredible stories during the years with Coach and will always hold them near and dear to my heart. Mike Martin was not only a coach to me but he was a friend and later a neighbor. Thank you for the great memories that I’ll carry with me forever, and thank you for all that you did for us and FSU baseball!”

Nandy Serrano (1991-92): “ ‘11’ thank you for touching so many lives including mine when you gave me a chance out of the island. You were a big part of the man and leader I have become. Your leadership on and off the field will always be remembered. RIP”

Jack Niles (1993-97): "11, i am blessed and eternally grateful that you gave this kid from key west an opportunity to be a Seminole! As JJ, Jonathan Johnson, said earlier today "u entrenched your DNA in each of us." You took us to Hawaii, Japan, and all over the USA to compete as Seminoles! You showed us how to be professionals in all we do, and to represent our families and the great Florida State University with class.11, only you would bring your entire Seminole baseball team to Key West to help mourn the loss of one of your player's Steven Wells' siblings after he tragically died. That memory will sit solidly in every Key West Conch that knew and loved Jonathan Wells #JW7 forever! I said this at Larry Strom's funeral service a couple years ago in Tallahassee, 'I went to Tallahassee with Big League Dreams in 1992. When those baseball dreams didn't end as initially planned #11 introduced me to Mr. Strom and opened another door of opportunity for me, and with Mr. Strom's support and guidance i made it to the big leagues in business." Sadly both of these remarkable men suffered and lost their lives after being diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Both men are Christ-like examples for me and neither ever flinched in the face of this very difficult disease. I promise that my Seminole brothers and sisters will pay forward what we learned from you. Condolences to the entire Martin family! You all have always treated me like one of your own! Thank you again for giving this boy from Key West a chance!"

Chuck Howell (1994-97): "Coach Martin forever changed the trajectory of my life. I’m not sure exactly where I would be right now without him but it would not be where I am. And for that I’m eternally grateful. What he taught me about baseball was great but what he taught me about life and being a man cannot be described in words. I truly loved that man."

John-Ford Griffin (1999-2001): "When I speak about people who impacted my life and career in baseball, 11 is the first person I mention. He brought out the best in his teams as his passion for the game was unrivaled. He loved Florida State more than anything and winning was not an option for his players, it was a standard he held through his whole career. He is an icon to the game of baseball and a legend in life. I hold a special place in my heart for coach Mike Martin and am blessed to have played for him."

Devon Travis, on Twitter (2010-12): “The impact you’ve left on so many will endure here forever. You always believed in me and you truly gave me the belief that I can accomplish anything on a baseball field. My family and I are so thankful for all you have done for us, and the great memories you left us with will never be forgotten. Thank you, 11, I love you. Rest in Peace.”

Sean Gilmartin, on Twitter (2009-11): “Like the rest of my @FSUBaseball brothers, I owe a great deal to this man. His legacy and impact on the game of baseball lives on. I will never forget the many lessons ‘11’ taught me over my 3yrs. A follower of Christ, and a true leader of men. Rest in peace 11.”

Josh Delph, on Twitter (2012-15): “So thankful for the man that gave me an opportunity and stuck with me through thick and thin. Go enjoy the big game in the sky, 11. Thank you for everything.”

Eric Luallen: “A lot of people will talk about his wins, his postseason appearances, his trips to Omaha, but I know from our conversations over the years all of that took a backseat to the impact he had on his players’ lives after college, after baseball. And really, not just his players. So many people have stories about their interactions with 11. He had that rare ability to make every person he spoke to feel like the most important person in the room.”

Tom Block: "Competitive gentleman. Competed hard at the highest level, and won or lost with dignity and grace. Set the bar for consistent excellence, over an incredibly long haul. Everyone knew him as Eleven for his uniform number, but we should remember him as Forty for 40 straight 40 win seasons and 40 straight postseason appearances. There will never be another like him. An FSU, college baseball, and coaching legend. Wishing him Omaha Prime, Zestos and walk off wins for eternity. And birdies on 18."

Gene Deckerhoff: “Very sad. When I did daily Sports Shows on WGLF-FM back in the 70’s, the station introduced the 3 minute program with the Gong Show (syndicated TV back in the day) theme song “It’s Gene, Gene the Dancing Machine” with big band music. Mike listened almost daily, and ever since then, when we would cross paths in person or via telephone, he would always call me “Dancing Machine.” The last time I talked to “11” his daughter Mary Beth answered the phone and gave it to her dad to say hello. Even though his memory was fading rapidly, and the next week he was going into memory care, Mike answered “Dancing Machine.” That memory still tugs on my heart. We are all better people for having known Mike Martin. The winningest coach in sports history. He has won his College World Series. He is in Heaven. My most sincere sympathies, condolences and prayers are with Miss Carol and the Martin family. God Bless.

Jim Gladden: “Mike Martin was a good coach and man, always encouraging through the good times as well as the tough times. Mike was a man of strong faith. He was a man of high integrity, and was an encourager, a great role model for his players. He finished his career as the winningest coach in collegiate baseball. He will be missed by all.”

Dave Hart: "Mike Martin was not only a great coach, he was a great person to be around. The legacy of 11 will continue to carry on. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carol and the entire family."

Andy Miller: "11 was everything Florida State! Loved the Garnet and Gold and was loved back by generations of Seminoles. We will all miss him but reminded of his undying loyalty to his alma mater."