FSU baseball came up short in its elimination game against Texas Tech Wednesday night. It was the end of an era with Mike Martin walking off the field for the final time.
FSU baseball just didn’t have enough offensively to compete once the College World Series began. They scored a grand total of two runs in three games and only managed 11 hits.
Their pitching and defense was good enough to win, but the offense was anemic as strikeouts accounted for 44 percent of their outs in three games.
A lot will be made of Mike Martin never winning a College World Series even though he by far as the most wins in history.
However, Mike Martin can’t go up there and hit. He can’t pitch it or field it and ultimately the Noles just couldn’t find the magic they captured to make it back to Omaha.
He was gracious in defeat as always. He’s the epitome of class personified and always makes it about his players. That seems to be what he’d like to be remembered for more so than having more wins than anyone else.
The respect everyone showed him this year and in Omaha has been second to none. Check out some of the responses after the Noles were eliminated Wednesday night.
Straight class all around, the love and passion for the game and the love he has for all his players he's top notch and I hope retirement treats him as well as he has treated this program! Thanks 11
— Rob Byrd (@DurtyByrd84) June 20, 2019
I really wish my kids could have played for this man. Nothing but class
— Noland Robinson (@norob87) June 20, 2019
Dear Mike Martin,
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 20, 2019
Thank you. The impact you have made on the game is incredible.
We salute you.
Sincerely,
All Baseball Fans#CWS | @FSUBaseball pic.twitter.com/kpqkm5Sm1q
You'll want to watch this tribute put together by @ncaacws.
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) June 19, 2019
They talk to Coach Mike Martin and look back on his career and final season with the Noles. #OneLastRun pic.twitter.com/IfoaU5GyFD
After 40 years, one last word from Mike Martin. #Noles pic.twitter.com/aAUrfYK0jl
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) June 20, 2019
Final Thoughts
That’s a real tear jerker right there. I don’t see how anyone can dislike this man or say anything unkind about him. Did he make some questionable decisions over the years? Of course, but he has always been absolute class in victory and defeat.
Mike Martin’s last speech says it all. There was no figure pointing or anything negative. All he wanted to do was point out what they had accomplished as a team.
The obstacles they overcame to get him back to the College World Series in his final season and how much he appreciated them.
Mike Martin, thank you for everything you did for FSU baseball.