Martin newest addition to WC coaching staff
When looking to fill his third assistant coach slot this season, WCHS baseball coach Jimmy Walker didn’t have to look far to find a local standout that could inspire the Pioneers by his own example.
Jerry Martin, a former Pioneer and professional baseball player with the Texas Rangers’ organization, will be working closely alongside J.W. Holt with the Pioneers’ pitching staff this year.
“I can’t tell you what all he brings to the table,” Walker said of his newest addition to the coaching staff. “I’ve been trying to get him to work with us for some time, but his job wouldn’t let him.
“But he came out and worked out the first day with us this winter, and came back and said ‘I kind of missed this.'”
The longtime Pioneer head coach said Martin, a 1990 Warren County graduate who reached the Double-A level with the Rangers, has the personal experience and attitude this year’s young Pioneer squad can learn from and respect.
“He’s been there,” he said. “He was a top prospect in the Rangers’ organization, but the strike really hurt him.
“He’s got a great demeanor with the kids, and a lot of respect. He and coach Holt handle the pitchers, and they know what’s going on. He’s there with them, showing and teaching, and he’s a great asset for us to have.”