There is lots of excitement surrounding Virginia Tech baseball, as their 2024 campaign kicked off last weekend at Charlotte. The Hokies' successes heading into this upcoming season can be characterized by influential players, specifically junior infielder Christian Martin, whose journey to collegiate baseball has been marked by dedication and skill.
The now upperclassman boasts a collection of impressive accolades, having been ranked as the No. 112 incoming ACC freshman by Perfect Game in 2022, following his tenure at Amherst County High School in Amherst, Virginia. He started off his debut freshman 2022 season with the Hokies by drawing 13 walks and securing a .424 on-base percentage.
Martin started off the 2024 season with a bang, taking his place as the starting second baseman against the Charlotte 49ers. He hammered a home run to kick off game one, the ball flying out of the park at 108.4 mph. His performance displays a lot of promise for upcoming games as the Hokies dive deeper into the season.
Building off that strong start, during the 2023 season as a sophomore, he served as a regular starter in 48 games, showcasing an improved on-base percentage, earning an exceptional 0.455 by season's end.
"Both coach Kurt Elbin and coach John Szefc have had the most impact on enhancing my performance. Elbin, in terms of hitting, and Szefc, defensively," Martin explained. "I had to work on a lot of things coming in, especially as a freshman."
Martin's resilience and commitment to success are evident in his statistical improvements. His fielding percentage has increased by .022 since his freshman season, reaching a .997 fielding percentage at second base, solidifying his role as a key player in anchoring the infield.
On the offensive front, Martin tallied 60 hits, including three home runs. Additionally, the junior successfully stole eight bases of ten attempts, providing the Hokies with a strategic advantage on the diamond.
"I'm really focused on being aggressive with the plate, and Coach Szefc with the defensive kind of things has helped me ingrain how to think pre-pitch about where to go in different scenarios and turning the double play ball," Martin added.
Beyond his impressive stats, Martin has embraced the role of a team leader. As he transitions into an upperclassman, he emphasizes the importance of fostering communication among younger players, perpetuating the legacy and impact of older teammates.
"When it comes to helping the development of younger players, a lot of them are not out of their shell yet, so kind of influencing them to talk and communicate a lot is where I've helped them out," Martin noted. "Eduardo Malinowski was the second baseman when I got here, and Nick Holesa especially was a big guy about communication, so they helped me a lot."
Gallery: (2-16-2024) BSB: 2024 Opener at Charlotte
Martin has been a Virginia Tech fan his whole life, pursuing Virginia Tech baseball ahead of other esteemed institutions. This has played a big part in his favorite achievement as a Hokie.
"The achievement that brought me the most satisfaction would probably be beating Virginia last season. I grew up a Tech fan, so those wins mean a lot" Martin remarked.
Martin's journey epitomizes the spirit of determination, growth, and leadership within Virginia Tech baseball. With the 2024 season in full swing, the returning infielder's unwavering commitment assures that he will remain a pivotal force in propelling the Hokies toward success.
The Hokies will debut their first home game at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park on Friday, Feb. 23, against Rhode Island. Admission is free for all attendees, so join Hokie Nation for an unforgettable start to the season in Blacksburg.