NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Austin Martin was the preseason SEC Player of the Year and leader of a Vandy Boys team looking to repeat at the College World Series. The coronavirus halted those pursuits, and ended a Curtain Call-worthy career for Martin.
He had an All-American season as a sophomore, setting the Vanderbilt record for runs scored in a season. He also tied the mark for hits with 105 while hitting an eye-popping .392.
Martin was at his best at the College World Series as well, including a two-home run game against Louisville. He was named to the all-CWS team after helping the Commodores capture the second national championship in school history with a three-game series win over Michigan in the finals.
He was off to another good start this year, leading Vanderbilt in hits, batting average, home runs and RBI, only furthering his status as one of the projected top picks in June’s MLB Draft.
Even with the season canceled, Baseball America scout B.J. Schechter believes Martin still has a chance to go No. 1 overall in the Draft.
“He’s as pure of a hitter as they come in this draft,” Schechter said. “At B.A. we have him ranked as the No. 1 player in the draft ahead of Spencer Torkelson. I think he’ll certainly go in the top three depending on team’s needs.”
Whatever happens from here on out, Martin deserves a hat tip as a Vandy Boys legend, a national champion and a soon to be top draft pick.
