The Original Six :: Gabby Martinez
11/25/2013 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 25, 2013
Gabby Martinez, a second baseman/outfielder from Redlands, Calif., is one of six players Montana softball coach Jamie Pinkerton signed last week to a National Letter of Intent. Martinez and her five future teammates will go down in history as the initial group of players to commit to the Griz softball program.
Martinez at a glance
Position: Second base/outfield
Height: 4-11
Bat: Left
Throw: Right
Hometown: Redlands, Calif.
High school: Redlands High
Club team: Corona Angels Howard
What Coach Pinkerton saw: "Gabby comes out of the Corona Angels program in Southern California, which year in and year out is one of the top 10 travel-ball programs in the country.
"What drew me to Gabby when I saw her play is she's a left-handed slapper who will be a good leadoff hitter. She combines her height with patience at the plate, and that makes her a catalyst and tough out.
"She will bring speed to the top of the lineup and be a real spark plug. She's the type of kid who's probably going to steal 15 to 20 bags. It will be fun to have her at the top of the lineup.
"She plays second base, but she's another versatile kid who can also play outfield. We can play her at second, where she is quick enough to cover bunts, and if we choose to put her in the outfield, she'll be able to cover a lot of ground."
Accolades: First-team All-Citrus Belt League as a freshman and sophomore, second team as a junior ... Named All-CIF Southern Section Division I as a sophomore ... The Citrus Belt League stolen base leader with 26 as a sophomore ... A three-year honor roll and scholar athlete at Redlands High ... Won a 16U title with the Corona Angels at TC/USA Nationals in July at Reno and Tahoe, Nev.
Why Martinez signed: "I am very excited about my decision to sign with Montana. One major reason for my decision was that softball is a brand-new program. I want to be a part of history and be the one who is part of the first softball team at the University of Montana. It will be an honor to wear the uniform for the first time on campus, along with being the first to step on the field.
"Also, it has always been my dream to go to a place where college sports are loved by the town, so Montana was the perfect fit. The support the teams receive from the city of Missoula is unbelievable. I cannot wait to be one of the teams the town cheers for.
"Not only is it a college town, but the academics offered by Montana struck my interest. The variety of majors and minors will make it easier when I decide on my future career.
"Montana is a beautiful place and I am beyond excited to be a part of Griz athletics."
