Belen High School senior pitcher Jadrian Martinez recently signed to continue his baseball career at New Mexico Highlands University.
“I felt that Highlands was the best fit for me academically and athletically,” said Martinez. “The coaching staff is great and I see myself growing as a player at Highlands.”
One of Belen’s few four-year starters, Martinez is one of the top pitchers in New Mexico prep baseball. Last season, he helped lead the Eagles to the semifinals of the state playoffs.
“He didn’t have a learning curve,” Belen baseball head coach Tom Wisneski said. “He was asked to step in and perform — which he did.”
Martinez plans to study sports medicine at Highlands. He said he will miss the family culture in Belen’s baseball program.
He also will miss the community support from fans and the city of Belen.
“My favorite memory of playing baseball at Belen is play our rival games against Los Lunas and seeing the amount of fans who come out and support,” said Martinez.
Wisneski said Martinez has worked hard throughout his time at Belen, and he gives his best effort every time he takes the mound.
“He has a quiet but deadly compettive nature,” said Wisneski. “That will suit him well for the next opportunity he has at the college level.”
Martinez is the sixth Belen baseball player to sign a collegiate letter of intent in the last two years.
Wisneski expects two or three more players to sign next year.
1078
April 18, 2024
