He did it in the Nick of time.

On Saturday night, Texas Ranger righty Nick Martinez became the 100th NECBL alumnus to reach the Major Leagues.  The Fordham product debuted at Tampa Bay, arguably outpitching 2012 Cy Young Award winner David Price.  

Martinez allowed three runs and four hits in six innings, fanning three in the Rays’ 5-4 win.  The rookie got a no decision but was on the hook for the win at the time he left the game.

Martinez played for the Vermont Mountaineers, as an infielder, in 2009 and 2010.  The Miami, Florida native started 34 games for Vermont in 2009 and hit .278 with 13 RBI in 2010.  The RBI ranked second best on the team.

But Martinez made it to the Majors as a pitcher.  A lefty bat and a righty on the mound, Martinez was selected by the Rangers in the 18th round of the 2011 Draft.  He was a Carolina League All-Star in 2013, after posting a 2.87 ERA in 21 starts.  Martinez earned a late season promotion to Double-A Frisco last season, where he sported a 1.13 ERA in 32 innings of work.

After a Spring Training in which Martinez put up a 1.23 ERA in three appearances, he went on the Rangers’ short list of call-up candidates.  

NECBL alumni have played for 29 of the 30 Major League teams.  The first NECBL graduate to make the Majors, Joe Nathan, is Baseball’s active save leader.

The NECBL congratulates Nick on this significant accomplishment.