Rutherford NJ – June 17, 2021 – Former Felician University baseball student-athlete Mike Martinez from Union City, N.J. has signed a professional playing contract with the Sussex County Miners of the independent Frontier League. The Frontier League is a member of the Independent Professional Baseball Federation.

Martinez, a 5-foot-9, 195-pound outfielder, was a Second-Team All-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference selection for Felician in 2021. In 26 games, he batted .333 with seven home runs, 24 runs scored, 18 runs batted in and nine stolen bases. He played three seasons for the Golden Falcons, returning in 2021 on an NCAA blanket waiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and garnered 40 extra-base hits, including 13 home runs. He was a .293 career hitter for Felician.

Mike Martinez

“Mike is a talented player and can hit for some big power,” said Felician head coach Chris Langan. “He was a big part of our team’s recent success. I’m so happy that he’s receiving this opportunity and I look forward to seeing him play.”

Martinez is a 2015 graduate of Bergen Catholic High School of Oradell, where he was a Second-Team All-State honoree. He expects to complete a bachelor’s degree in management at Felician this fall.

“I love the game of baseball and it’s great to be able to take the next step,” Martinez said. “It was very exciting to find out I would get a chance to play professionally.”

The Miners compete in the Frontier League’s Northeast Division, and play their home games at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, N.J. Sussex County’s field manager is Rutherford native and former Major League pitcher Bobby Jones.

Martinez is the 24th former Golden Falcon to sign a professional baseball contract, all but one during Langan’s 18-year tenure. A complete list can be viewed here.