Chris Martin, RHP, Mason HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Kent State  ?

Martin: I chose Kent because of several reasons.  First of all they have a great program with a winning tradition.  I'll be playing for one of the best coaching staffs in the country.  My third reason is that I'll get a good education and I really felt comfortable when I was visiting Kent.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Martin: I was considering Furman, Ohio State, Michigan, Cincinnati, and Miami.

PBR:  Last summer, you participated in quite a few PBR events.  How did those events help you in recruiting process?

Martin: These PBR events really sparked my recruiting.  At each event there were tons of scouts, and they really helped get me exposure to many programs.

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Martin: The coaching staff saw me play several times throughout the summer, but I first made contact with them after the Midwest Futures Games.

PBR: You are going in to your Junior season.  Why did you choose to make your decision so early?  Are you completely finished with the recruiting process or are you still open to other options?

Martin: I felt that going to Kent was the best decision for my family and me.  I am finished with the recruiting process.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 

Martin: I wasn't really sure what to expect about the recruiting process, but it's definitely exciting.  Being able to check out different schools and programs can be a little stressful but I enjoyed it.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Martin: All of my coaches have had a big impact on me as a player, but Russ Logue has had the biggest impact.  He's been one of my coaches since grade school and taught me so much about the game.  I can't thank him enough for how he's helped me.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Martin: I play for the Ohio Force in the summer. My most exciting summer ball experience was coming back from a 7-0 first inning deficit in the Black Swamp tournament championship to win 11-7.

PBR: What were your stats last season for Mason?

Martin: Last year I didn't play very much at Mason, so I didn't compile many stats. In the summer I pitched 50 innings with a 1.96 ERA.  At the plate I had a .337 batting average in 117 plate appearances.

PBR: Who is the toughest  hitter you have faced in Ohio ?

Martin: I think my summer ball teammate, Riley Mahan, is the toughest hitter I've faced.