HARLINGEN — Harlingen South catcher Jake Martinez took the first step in the next chapter in his baseball career after signing his national letter of intent to play baseball with the University of Texas — Rio Grande Valley Monday afternoon at Harlingen South High school.
While it’s the next level for Martinez as a player, factoring in family to his decision will make this chapter a familiar one.
He will not only become a college baseball player, but he will reunite with his brother Zack, who signed on to play at UTRGV (then UTPA) last year and who he has played with since he was three.
It was the perfect fit.
“My brother Zack signed on to play last year and I had been going to the games since I was a junior,” Martinez said. “The last two years I have gone to watch the team and support my brother. I really like the way coach Manny Mantrana is doing with the program— I thought it would be a good fit.”
Martinez also enjoyed the chance to play baseball in college and stay in the Valley.
“I wanted to stay close to home so that my parents can go and watch,” Martinez said. “I also get a chance to play with my brother again; that’s been my goal for all this.”
Martinez was a key factor in the South Hawks’ success this year.
South went 13-3 this year and Martinez was named the District 32-6A Offensive MVP.
He led the team with a .520 batting average while recording 16 hits and 19 RBIs.
On the mound, Martinez pitched 11.0 innings this season and recorded nine strikeouts.
Martinez will join a UTRGV team with a new identity as the Vaqueros.
In their last year as the UTPA Broncs, however, the program went 21-30-1 overall as a team.
In his first season, Martinez just hopes to contribute as a freshman, but is excited for the new opportunity.
“I will go in as a catcher, but I don’t know where I’ll be on the depth chart,” he said. “I have to work hard to be an asset, but I am ready thanks to my coaches at South. I have to concentrate, but I am excited to learn under coach Manny Mantrana.”