Gator Alum Richie Martin Gearing Up for MLB Spring Training

Former Gator shortstop Richie Martin will get his first taste of the MLB when he reports to spring training with the Oakland Athletics in Mesa, Arizona on February 25^th. Martin was drafted by the A’s 20^th overall in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft as the Gator baseball team advanced to the college world series.

Martin says despite his excitement about being drafted, he remained focused on helping the team achieve its goal of winning the NCAA title.

In his third and final season with the Gators, Martin posted career highs in nearly every category imaginable. En route to starting 70 games, he recorded 63 runs, 20 stolen bases, 36 RBI’s, 35 walks, six home runs, and four triples. He also boasted a slugging percentage of .430 and an on-base percentage of .399.

His strong defense helped Florida lead the nation in fielding percentage (.984). Martin says playing for the Gators really helped prepare him for the next step in his career.

When Florida kicks off its season next week against Florida Gulf Coast, the pressure will be on for someone to step up and provide the production that Martin did when he was still with the team.

And as the Gators start a new season, Martin says he couldn’t be more thrilled to start this new chapter in his professional career.

After spring training, Martin expects to be sent to an Oakland minor league affiliate. He will either play for the Stockton Ports in California or the Beloit Snappers in Wisconsin.