Aug. 17, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tiger centerfielder Drew Martinez, who was drafted by the New York Mets in the 23rd round of the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in June, has opted not to sign and will return to the Tigers for the 2011 season.

"We are very excited that Drew made the decision to return for his junior season," said head baseball coach Daron Schoenrock. "I know he had a lot to consider in the process, but we are glad that he wants to come back and be a part of what we believe will be a strong 2011 club. I'm proud of the summer Drew had in the Cape. He represented the University of Memphis very well."

Prior to being drafted, Martinez had an award-winning spring season for the Tigers, but put up even more impressive numbers in an All-Star summer with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League. The CBHS product led the Whitecaps and finished second in the league with a .359 batting average, while leading the CCBL with 52 hits and a .434 on-base percentage. The Cape Cod All-Star ranked among the league's top offensive performers with 57 total bases, 25 runs, 22 stolen bases and 18 RBI. In addition, Martinez homered once en route to being named to the 2010 Cape Cod Baseball League's All-League Team.

"One of the major factors in my decision was that I know the players (at Memphis) we have coming back are strong and we have an opportunity to be a good team next year," Martinez said. I think this summer (playing in the Cape Cod League) helped me a lot for the upcoming year. The Cape was tough. Every pitcher you face is one of the top in the country."

A Second Team All-C-USA selection in 2010 and a member of the 2009 C-USA All-Freshman Team, Martinez posted a standout sophomore season. The Tiger's leadoff hitter and centerfielder started in all 58 games and hit .377. He led Memphis and C-USA, while checking in a 15th in the nation with 98 hits. He also led the Tigers and ranked in the top-10 in C-USA with 62 runs scored and five triples. In addition, the CBHS product racked up 41 RBI, stole 19 bases and legged out 10 doubles.