Posted: May 12, 2022

Martinez named Conference Player of the Year

Hazel Martinez was named the MSAC Player of the Year after hitting .564 with 10 homers, 60 RBI and a slugging percentage of 1.060.

After a dominant season at the plate, Cayuga Community College Baseball first baseman Hazel Martinez has been named the Mid-State Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Martinez led all NJCAA Division III batters in multiple offensive categories in his 2022 campaign, which also saw him lead Cayuga in most offensive statistics. This week he was also named to MSAC's All-Conference Team along with teammates Fernando Espinal, Michael Norton and Greg Osterhout.

Martinez credited his season to offseason work with his teammates and coaches, and keeping his focus on the team's continued success.

"We worked hard all winter, and it's showed this season. We play hard every pitch, every at-bat, every inning and every game," said Martinez. "My teammates have a great work ethic, and I wouldn't have the numbers I have at the plate if guys weren't on-base or if other guys didn't drive me in."

Batting third for much of the season, Martinez led Division III hitters with a .564 average and a 1.060 slugging percentage, and finished second nationally with a .609 on-base percentage. His team-leading 60 RBI tied for seventh nationally and were second in Region III, and his 10 homers were third in Region III.

Martinez also led Cayuga in runs (51), hits (66), doubles (14), triples (7), and walks (18), while striking out only nine times in 117 at-bats.

Success at the plate isn't new for Martinez. In 2021, he led the Spartans with a .459 average, 22 RBI, 39 hits, 11 doubles and was third with a .549 on-base percentage.

Cayuga Coach John Rizzo said Martinez's season is the most dominant he's watched at this level of college baseball.

"Hazel's numbers really say it all. He's outplayed the competition and proven how good he is. He can hit to all fields and drive the ball with power to all fields," said Rizzo. "We knew he had that ability and it's been great to see him get better at the plate and in the field, but also to see him grow as a teammate and leader. He's a very well-respected leader and voice for our team."