Expired Meat: Mike Martin Jr. fired after a sloppy postseason exit to UCLA

Florida State baseball is as notable of a program as any in collegiate baseball. The fifth-winningest program in NCAA history, FSU fans have come to expect greatness on the diamond. However, the program has fallen short of expectations lately, and the school opted for change on Friday by firing head coach Mike Martin Jr. 

Three years ago, the winningest coach in Division 1 history, Mike Martin Sr., called it a career. In his place, Florida State controversially replaced the hall of famer with his son. Martin Jr., commonly called ‘Meat,’ received the job after 21 seasons as an assistant and a three-year playing career in the Garnet and Gold. The hiring raised some questions since Martin possessed no prior head coaching experience. Nevertheless, he garnered a four-year deal and assumed the reins from his father. 

In Martin's inaugural season, COVID-19 hampered the program from participating in a full schedule. The team played only 17 games in 2020, ending with a 12-5 record. Although COVID-19 brought unique challenges, Meat encountered struggles early, dropping the season opener to Niagara. Beyond that, the remaining four losses came against ranked opponents. 

In year two, Martin fielded a promising, talented roster but failed to lift them to their full potential. Moreover, for the second-straight season, FSU lost their opening day game, this time to North Florida. Valid concerns appeared in the subsequent series when Pittsburgh, FSU’s first ACC opponent of the season, swept the ’Noles.

As a result, the No. 21 Seminoles dropped out of the top-25. Florida State did not appear on the end of the year rankings 2021 either. ’Noles baseball ended 2021 with a 31-24 (20-16 ACC) record and narrowly reached the NCAA Regionals after finishing third in the Atlantic division.

To this point, not much could be said about Martin’s tenure, but the future looked very bright. Entering 2022, FSU earned a No. 3 overall preseason national ranking. The pitching rotation included a tandem of preseason All-Americans, Bryce Hubbart and Parker Messick. Those two held their own on the hill, but Martin’s main focus, the offense, struggled. 

FSU’s .263 batting average and .361 on-base percentage this year ranked third and second lowest in the ACC respectively. Seminole batters also struck out more than any team in the conference. Beyond the batters’ box, FSU’s defense produced the second most errors, reflecting lapses in fundamentals and discipline. 

Overall, the Garnet and Gold endured an up-and-down season, to say the least. For such high expectations, the team got off to a slow start, then recovered, only for them to fall into a five-game skid midway into the year. Although FSU pushed late to reach the NCAA Regionals, the magic from 2019 disappeared as they were pounded in the postseason. 

Mike Martin Jr.’s third and final year as head coach resulted in a 34-25 record. On the surface, this is not a blatant fireable offense. However, in conference play, FSU struggled, earning a 15-15 record, the worst conference win percentage for FSU since 2017. Over Martin’s three years, he posted the lowest win percentage in school history. 

All things considered, many believed his job was safe for at least his fourth and final year under contract. However, Michael Alford, FSU’s athletic director, ended those rumors last week. As of now, it is too early to tell who the favorite replacement options are, but there is pressure to hire someone with proven head coaching experience.

Since Florida State appointed Alford as their new athletic director, he’s made it clear that he has high expectations for the school’s programs. Martin’s exit is the third Alford has overseen in his short tenure. However, at a school as historically successful as FSU, going 77-54 and 36-33 in the ACC without a College World Series appearance simply fails to meet expectations.