Fans, rivals pay tribute to legendary FSU baseball head coach Mike Martin after his death
The college football world was rocked on Thursday as legendary Florida State baseball head coach Mike Martin lost his battle with Lewy body dementia. He was 79.
Martin is synonymous with FSU baseball over 47 years as a player, assistant coach and head coach, elevating the program into a national powerhouse and perennial contender despite never winning the College World Series.
When Martin retired following his 40th season at FSU in June 2019, he stepped down as the winningest coach in college sports with a record of 2,029-736-4.
Members of the FSU and college baseball community, friends and rivals alike, went to X, formerly Twitter, to post tributes for Martin. A public celebration of life will be held on Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium. Fans can leave tributes to Martin at the southern gate of Dick Howser Stadium.
FSU head baseball coach Link Jarrett
“11 always had a smile on his face and that will be what I take away from my 35-year relationship with him.” - Link pic.twitter.com/LIen08l1d4
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) February 1, 2024
Clemson baseball
The Clemson Baseball family extends its condolences to the family of Mike Martin and @FSUBaseball on the passing of the legendary coach. 1️⃣1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/eWy8Dbd9hX
— Clemson Baseball (@ClemsonBaseball) February 1, 2024
Miami baseball
Tip of the cap to one of the greatest college baseball coaches of all-time.
The @CanesBaseball family extends our deepest condolences to the Martin family and @FSUBaseball on the passing of Mike Martin Sr. https://t.co/OumxoIvG7y pic.twitter.com/TgXrDx4bbY— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) February 1, 2024
Wake Forest baseball
Wake Forest joins the rest of the college baseball community in mourning the loss of Mike Martin.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family. We’ll forever be grateful for the impact 11 had on our game. https://t.co/SvzxIANA1Q— Wake Forest Baseball (@WakeBaseball) February 1, 2024
FSU football coach Mike Norvell
One of the greatest evenings I’ve had since coming to FSU was sitting in a box with 11 for a game. His kindness and incredible spirit will be remembered forever, so grateful for getting to know such a wonderful man! Prayers to the family, friends, and loved ones #RIP11 https://t.co/lo7wLWAsLj
— Mike Norvell (@Coach_Norvell) February 1, 2024
ACC Commissioner James J. Phillips
Rest in Peace, 11 pic.twitter.com/Rm55yoBHGp
— ACC Baseball (@ACCBaseball) February 1, 2024
FSU president Richard McCullough
— FSU President Richard McCullough (@PresMcCullough) February 1, 2024
FSU athletic director Michael Alford
"Mike Martin lit up a room with his enthusiasm and energy...we have lost one of our greatest Seminoles." @SeminoleAlford pic.twitter.com/xQNb5D3Mla
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) February 1, 2024
FSU quarterback Jordan Travis
RIP 11❤️ https://t.co/YfZziNoUUu
— Jordan Travis (@jordantrav13) February 1, 2024
Baseball America magazine
Mike Martin, legendary Florida State coach in every sense of the word, has died at 79.
He is the winningest coach in college sports history. Martin...
- Won 2,209 games
- Coached three Players of the Year
- Won Coach of the Year twice
- Reached 17 College World Series pic.twitter.com/HJlqvY5V1J— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) February 1, 2024
American Baseball Coaches Association
We join the baseball community in mourning the passing of coaching legend, Mike Martin.
The dedicated 47-year ABCA Lifetime Member and winningest coach in college baseball history achieved remarkable success on the field.
He was recognized as a member of the ABCA Hall of Fame… https://t.co/VKRjRYdpBn pic.twitter.com/nvPPisA9Zh— ABCA (@ABCA1945) February 1, 2024
Florida baseball coach Kevin O'Sullivan statement
Florida #Gators baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan statement on passing of FSU coach Mike Martin: “The Florida baseball family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Martin. Coach Martin was not only an all-time great coach in our game but a first-class human and …
— KevinBrockwayGators (@KevinBrockwayG1) February 2, 2024
left a lasting impact on his players on and off the field. Our thoughts go out to the entire Martin family and Florida State at this time.
— KevinBrockwayGators (@KevinBrockwayG1) February 2, 2024
Jack Williams covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on X @jackgwilliams.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Mike Martin tributes pour in for late FSU baseball coach