Profile Story

 In the sun-drenched town of Coamo, amid the hills of Puerto Rico, the love of baseball is felt through every cobblestone street and sun soaked fields. There, the game is not just a pastime; it's a way of life, a passion that brings generations together in a chase of hope and dreams. And in the midst of this love story with America's favorite pastime, emerges the resilience and determination of a boy whose journey mirrors the ebbs and flows of the sport itself. Among the swaying palm trees and the echoes of music, a story unfolds—one of raw talent, of aspirations reaching for greatness, and of a community's unwavering support sending one of its own toward his dreams. Every swing of his bat carries the hopes of a town, and whose dreams soar as high as the Puerto Rican skies. 

Carlos Martinez learned to swing a bat before he could even write his name. His father, the most influential figure in his life, guided him towards the diamond, fueling a passion that would shape his future.

Baseball became Carlos's refuge, a path paved by his father's wisdom and guidance. "I didn’t have a choice to play baseball," he chuckled, reminiscing about his earliest days on the diamond. "My dad gave me a bat when I was four, and he made me swing. Then he made me play basketball. And, I was not very good at it. So, he was like, ah, we are done with basketball. You’re sticking with baseball."

Growing up in a small town, competition was scarce. Yet, from the moment he stepped onto the field, Carlos knew he possessed a gift. "The moment I realized I was actually good at this was the moment I realized I could do this long term," Carlos said. "I had already fallen in love with baseball, but once I realized I had 'it,' I wanted to keep going."

“When you’re a kid, you want to beat everybody, and I was good at it."

Under his father’s guidance, Carlos grew his skills, dreaming of a future beyond the palm-fringed Coamo. But to reach his full potential, he knew he had to venture beyond the comforts of home. So, when the opportunity arose to pursue his passion at P27 Academy in South Carolina, Carlos took it with both hands.

The decision for Carlos to move to the United States was not an easy one, but he was grateful for his family’s support. “It was a family idea for me to pursue my baseball in the United States,” said Carlos. “COVID hit, and I just wanted to play baseball. Baseball was the only thing I wanted to do. My family was really supportive of me, but it was hard letting everybody go.”

Leaving behind the familiarity of his home in Puerto Rico was a challenge, but one that Carlos embraced wholeheartedly. "The biggest adjustment to life in the United States was just the first time being away from home," he recalls. "Having to see their life through social media and not actually being there to see it myself, and not being with the people I grew up with was hard."

Transitioning from his home Coamo to his new life in the busy college town of Columbia, South Carolina certainly came with its challenges. Yet Carlos's determination remained steady. "The biggest adjustment to life in the United States was just the first time being away from home," he reflects, his voice bringing out nostalgia. "It wasn’t that hard though, just because I played a lot of summer ball, so every 2 months out of the year I was away."

Although Carlos was somewhat accustomed to leaving, the absence of familiar faces still weighed heavily on him. "I think it was the fact I didn’t see my friends anymore," he said. "Having to see their life through social media and not actually being there to see it myself, and not being with the people I grew up with was hard.”

All while adjusting to a new environment, Carlos found peace in his love and connection with his family. "Besides that, I always keep contact with my parents," he affirms, with gratitude clear in his words. It’s beyond evident he loves his friends and family, 

Carlos was quick to make friends with his wit and kindness, and soon enough, he was united with his now best friend, Matt Martinez, who actually took on the role of his legal guardian at P27 Academy. “Carlos is dedication personified, both on and off the baseball field,” said Matt.

Matt remembers about the endless days and nights spent on the field, where Carlos's skill as a player was matched only by his infectious enthusiasm not only for the game but all around.  "Carlos was always the first one to arrive at practice and the last one to leave," Matt said. "His dedication was unmatched, and it pushed all of us to be better." But beyond his athletic achievements, Carlos's true impact is in the depth of his friendships. As Matt looks back on their years of friendship, he speaks not only of Carlos's skill on the field but how he instilled a sense of family in their tight-knit circle at P27 Academy.

Carlos's journey continued on in the United States as he journeyed on a new chapter at the University of Pittsburgh, where he showcased his impressive athletic ability on the field, all while navigating the rigors of collegiate academics. "Getting to college was the biggest culture shock and challenge I’ve faced since being here," Carlos admits. "College ball is like learning how to play baseball all over again. At the same time, academics get so much harder. The transition is really hard."

Carlos finished his first season at Pitt appearing in nine games, ending his freshman season with a .215 batting average along with five home runs. However, he knew he could do more somewhere, and the coaches at UMass Lowell thought so too. 

Carlos' decision to transfer to UMass Lowell marked a new chapter in his book, which only continued to showcase his adaptability and pursuit of excellence. Today, as Carlos takes the mound for UMass Lowell, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of a young boy from Coamo who dared to do the impossible. From Puerto Rico to the batter's box, Carlos Martinez's story is one of triumph against the odds, a reminder that with dedication and determination, anything is possible. His story serves as a pillar of inspiration, lighting the path for aspiring young-athletes across the globe.