REX Alumnus is working his way to The Show

Former REX Baseball catcher, David Martinez, signed with the Miami Marlins Organization earlier this year. He is currently with the Beloit Snappers, the High-A Minor League Affiliate of the Marlins. Martinez played with the REX during the 2016 season.

Catcher David Martinez making a throw from behind home plate. Photo Courtesy of Brian Williams.

Martinez is from Port St Lucie, Florida and joined the REX as a freshman out of Broward College. During his time with Wabash Valley’s Own, Martinez had a batting average of .238, hit two home runs, six doubles, and 23 RBI. Speaking on how his time with the REX helped him, “It was great man. We are actually in buses all of the time here which was the normal there whenever we traveled,” Martinez continued, “It was awesome man. Super professional stay there. The whole life of being in the REX was interacting with fans and (there was a) super minor league feel to it which was great because now I kind of know how to work my way around this type of lifestyle. It was phenomenal there.”

Catcher David Martinez getting ready for the next batter. Photo Courtesy of Brian Williams.

Martinez added, “Initially when I was invited to the REX it was only a temporary contract for two weeks. They did a great job of setting me up with a great host family of Becky Buse and allowing me to stay there for a couple more weeks and (I) actually got my first Division I scholarship from there.” He said that his time with his host family was great. They were welcoming and that they had a love for the game of baseball and the players. That scholarship offer led him to Austin Peay. During his three years there he had a batting average of .269, 11 home runs, 16 two-baggers, and 60 RBI. He was also Second Team All-OVC in 2019.

Martinez has been excelling so far with the Snappers. He currently has a batting average of .300 and an on-base percentage of .481. He has hit two home runs so far. Martinez said of his signing with the Miami Marlins Organization, “My dream is to play in the Major Leagues, but it was definitely one of my goals (that) came true. I started playing when I was four years old, so I’m 24 now. It was a dream of mine to play for the Marlins. I’m a Florida native now, I’ve been living there for the past 15 years and playing for the Marlins was a huge goal of mine,” He continued, “When I signed that paper it was just kind of like another sign that it was like I’m on the right path.”

Good Luck David! REX Nation is rooting for you! We cannot wait to see you in The Show!