Martin: Commitment To Stonehill ‘Perfect For Everyone’

Dennis Martin 1B / OF / Messalonskee, ME / 2026

OAKLAND, Me. - A three-sport athlete at Messalonskee High School in Maine, Dennis Martin is now envisioning his future focusing on just baseball at Stonehill College.

“I can’t wait to get there and play baseball every single day,” the second-rated 2026 first baseman in New England said. “I play football and hockey now, so to only do one sport will be different. I’ll do the same thing I do now, stay busy and work on perfecting my craft as much as I can.”

Stonehill witnessed Martin playing during a tournament this past summer with his travel team, Maine Lightning.

“One of the assistant coaches saw a couple of games,” reflected Martin, who was then invited to a Stonehill camp. “I had a good day at the camp and the next day they offered me. I went on a visit in September and everything was amazing. The campus is beautiful and the coaching staff was open and honest. Everyone was like a big family which is what I was looking for. I want to go to a school for four years and not transfer.”

The number two ranked junior in Maine made a huge impression on Stonehill.

“They saw a big frame in me that can swing the bat and play first base,” the 6-3 230-pound left-handed hitting Martin explained. “They said I can be a good bat in the lineup.”

A first baseman growing up, the 16-year-old is dedicating himself to become a more all-around player.

“I’m working to be more versatile so I can play other spots,” Martin noted.

It was in his youth when the idea of playing at the next level began.

“I’ve known since I was very young and started playing baseball that I wanted to play in college,” Martin explained. “My dad played at Southern New Hampshire and I have a sister that played college softball. Going to MLB is the dream, but college baseball has been a dream since I was playing wiffle ball in the backyard. It’s amazing to get this spot and I’m super thankful.”

Help came in making it happen.

“My dad (Dennis) has been a huge influence on me,” Martin related. “He’s helped me since I was young, especially with my hitting, and my mom has been awesome taking me to my games and showcases. My family has done so much for me, that has not gone unnoticed.”

There was additional assistance in his baseball journey.

“Prep Baseball helped get my name and numbers out to show what I can do and Maine Lightning helped get me in front of Stonehill, (head) coach Pat Boen, and assistants, coach (Zack) Sultar and coach (Sean) Callahan,” Martin noted. “On Aug. 1, I wasn’t expecting much. I was just hoping to find a spot and in the end it all worked out.

“I was talking with the coaches daily after that,” continued Martin. “They showed interest in me, not just as a player but as a person and I’m super excited to get there. This wouldn’t be possible without what Prep Baseball and the Lightning did for me.”

The top-ranked 2026 first baseman in Maine has confidence that he can make an impact in the Northeast Conference program.

“I’ll bring a guy who can put the bat on the ball on a daily basis,” Martin explained. “I’ll hit the ball hard and drive in runs. They have a lot of fast guys, so I can bring a big power guy to the lineup and drive those fast guys in.”

With plans to become a physical therapist, the 3.7 student at Messalonskee is looking at a major in sport medicine in college.

“It’s an amazing feeling that Stonehill will be my home for the next four years,” the 40th-rated junior in New England concluded. “It’s three hours away from home so there’s not much driving. My family can come out and watch so it’s perfect for everyone.”