LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Ricky Martinez is heading to Las Cruces after two years on staff at the University of Tennessee. Martinez, a former Volunteers standout himself, has been a crucial piece in Tennessee's trip to the 2023 Men's College World Series.  
 
In addition to overseeing the NM State infielders, Martinez will serve as the program's recruiting coordinator.   
 
COACHING EXPERIENCE 
While on staff with the Volunteers, Martinez assumed the role of first base coach for Tennessee. Throughout Martinez's second stint in Knoxville, the Volunteers won 101 games, posting a .765 winning percentage. In 2022, Tennessee set a program-record with 57 wins during its run to a Super Regional. The 2022 Vols saw ten players drafted, including thre infielders and current Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ben Joyce.  
 
In addition to coaching first base for the Vols, Martinez has overseen the Tennessee infielders throughout his time on staff. In 2022, Tennessee set a new program record and ranked 16th nationally with a .980 fielding percentage. The Volunteers followed with a .976 mark in 2023 
 
PLAYING EXPERIENCE 
Martinez played for NM State head coach Jake Angier at Sacramento State in 2017 before transferring to Grayson College and eventually Tennessee. The Texas native hit .279 with 62 hits, 28 RBIs and a team-leading 18 doubles on the year and was one of the top defensive shortstops in the SEC. After the phenomenal junior season in Knoxville where he started 60 games for the Vols, Martinez was selected in the 18th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. 
 
While in the Diamondbacks system, Martinez spent time with the Hillsboro Hops for two seasons. Martinez build his game into a utility infielder, making at least 24 starts at second base, shortstop, and third base for the Hops, posting a .980 career fielding percentage.  
 
FORMER PLAYERS DRAFTED 
Trey Lipscomb, 3B – 2022 (3rd, Washington Nationals) 
Jorel Ortega, 2B – 2022 (6th, Minnesota Twins) 
Cortland Lawson, SS – 2022 (14th, Washington Nationals)