There's a reason why many Major League Baseball managers are former catchers. The position demands leadership, game management and communication — all qualities that make Williston senior Blake Martin this week's UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week.
"I love being involved in every single play — it's just so much fun having the ball in your hand," Martin said. "It's like being the captain of the field, and when I see someone scuffling, I'm not afraid to get on 'em and tell them what's up."
Born and raised in Williston, Martin has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old. He tried football for a few years but ultimately decided his heart belonged on the diamond. He has been catching at the varsity level since 10th grade.
"There's just something about baseball that's different," Martin said. "The more I played it, the more I learned, and the more I learned the more I wanted to keep learning. I was always interested in getting better and trying to give it my all every time I'm out there. It's just a fun thing to do."
At 5-foot-8 and 200 pounds, Martin has been a key contributor for the Red Devils. He leads the team in batting average (.442), slugging percentage, hits and RBIs. Last week, he hit .667 and drove in six runs as Williston wrapped up the regular season and prepared for district playoffs.
"Growing up here has been amazing, and when we get the support, it makes us want to go out and win it for our fans," he said. "This community is something special, and they make us feel that way — so of course we're going to play hard all the time."
Off the field, Martin juggles a busy schedule. He attends school in the morning, mows lawns in the early afternoon and returns to campus for practice or games.
"I'd be tired when I first started doing that, but the more I did it, the more I enjoyed being out there," Martin said. "Where else are you going to get out in the sun and be able to get instant gratification when you're done? I really take pride in my work and just love how good-looking a freshly cut yard can be."
After graduation, Martin will continue his playing career at Florida National University in Hialeah, an NAIA program that will give him the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream.
"It's been a dream of mine to play college baseball, and I'm so excited to be able to do that at FNU," he said. "Committing to play made me realize that all the work I have put in over the years has paid off."
Each weekly Athlete of the Week honoree is eligible for a $2,500 scholarship. The UF Health High School Athlete of the Year will be named at the end of the 2024–25 academic year.