Ty Martin will begin his first season as an Assistant Coach for the New Market Rebels of the
Valley Baseball League in the summer of 2026.
Martin’s professional baseball career began in 2000. He was selected and signed as a switch-
hitting infielder by the Texas Rangers in the 2000 MLB Amateur Draft. During his professional
playing career (2000–2003) in MiLB, Ty had accomplishments that included, but not limited to:
2002 Florida State League Championship (Charlotte Rangers), Florida State League Player of
the Week (July 29–August 4, 2002), TOPP’s Minor League Player of the Month (July 2002),
Texas Rangers Minor League Player of the Month (July 2002 and August 2002), and Florida
State League Player of the Week (July 22–July 28, 2002).
Prior to his professional baseball career, Ty was a scholar-athlete in baseball at the University of
Florida (1997–1998) and Mississippi State University (1999–2000). While a Gator, Ty played
for the 1998 SEC Championship team and competed in the 1998 College World Series. While a
Bulldog, Ty was awarded the Tournament Most Valuable Player of the 2000 NCAA Starkville
Regional along with selection to the All Regional Team. In addition, Ty played collegiate
summer ball for the 1997 Harrisonburg Turks in the Valley Baseball League and the 1999
Hyannis Mets in the Cape Cod Baseball League.
Prior to beginning his collegiate career, Ty was selected out of Melbourne (FL) High School as a
switch-hitting shortstop by the Minnesota Twins in the 19 th round of the 1996 MLB Amateur
Draft.
Following his voluntary retirement from his professional baseball career in 2003, Ty began his
graduate career at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Educationally, Ty earned a
Ph.D. in Human Performance with an Exercise Physiology Emphasis from USM, an M.S. in
Human Performance with an Exercise Science Emphasis from USM, and a B.S. in the field of
Physical Education with an emphasis in Fitness Management from Mississippi State University,
after beginning his undergraduate studies in Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of
Florida. In addition, Ty holds the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists certification
(CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Martin is currently in his 18 th consecutive year (AY 2008/2009–2025/2026) as a Professor of
Exercise Science at the university level (Belhaven University, 2024–Present; Troy University,
2008–2024). In addition, he has served as an assistant coach for high school programs
(2016–2022).