New man in town: Martin joins Miners' coaching staff

MARION - Professional baseball returned to the region last week when spring training officially got underway Wednesday at Rent One Park in Marion where manager Mike Pinto and his staff welcomed the 2018 edition of the Southern Illinois Miners to town.

For players, coaches and other ballpark staff Wednesday was a full day with team orientation, media day, pitchers and hitters meetings, an on the field workout and equipment distribution.

For those joining the Miners family for the first time - like new pitching coach Tyler Martin - the day couldn't come soon enough.

"I'm so excited that today is finally here," he said. "I'm happy to be involved in professional baseball."

Martin comes to the Miners with a wealth of coaching experience, having been the associate head coach and pitching coach at Robert Morris University in Illinois for the last three years.

Prior to that he served as pitching coach at his alma mater, Cardinal Stritch University, where he helped the Wolves to their first-ever CCAC conference tournament appearance and coached three CCAC all-conference pitchers.

His resume also includes a managerial stint in summer collegiate baseball with the Sheboygan A's in the Wisconsin State League and Langsdorf League in 2014-15, coaching them to the Langsdorf League title while also being named the 2014 Wisconsin State League Manager of the Year.

As a player, Martin pitched his final two collegiate seasons at Cardinal Stritch after starting at Kankakee Community College.

Martin, a personable young coach at just 30 years old, is originally from Tremont, Illinois.

"Isn't it every young boys dream to be involved in professional baseball?" Martin said. "That's why I'm so excited to be here in Marion, competing at this level."

Martin said his wife of less than a year, Cydnee, is a middle school math teacher in Bolingbrook and is looking forward to joining him when school is out.

"I'm extremely fortunate that my wife is supportive of my career and loves the game herself," he said.

Area baseball fans will be happy to know that the Miners' home opener isn't too far off with the home opener set for Friday May 11 against the Lake Erie Crushers. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.