UC Irvine’s Tony Martinez Embraces Culture, High Expectations Through Baseball Journey

Tony Martinez was overcome with emotion as he reunited with his father, Carlos, at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., after representing the Uniteds States in the International Friendly Series this past summer.

Tony, dressed in the crisp, all-white USA baseball uniform, locked eyes with Carlos in the stands, and the tears started streaming down both their faces. The two embraced each other and shared a hug that felt stronger and more loving than ever before.

“I never got to wear that jersey before,” Martinez said. “And finally getting chosen to be a member of the team was just a crazy feeling. It wasn’t easy to get there. There were so many people who doubted me. It was more than just the uniform.”

It was a moment the two would never forget because they knew how difficult the road to get there was.

“I don’t cry often, but that day was special,” Carlos said. “He really did it. When he put that on, it brought so many emotions.”

Martinez’s selection was well warranted. 

The UC Irvine slugger was named the Big West freshman field player of the year in 2023 after slashing .394/.471/.619 with 11 home runs. He followed it up in 2024 by breaking the program’s single-season RBI record (74) and leading the Anteaters to the Corvallis regional.

Martinez’s compact, efficient swing with above-average bat speed has led him to success. He doesn’t sacrifice control for power, as evidenced by him hitting more singles and doubles. However, his natural power indicates there’s more home run potential as he grows.

The 20-year-old, who ranks as Baseball America’s No. 109 draft prospect and was picked as preseason Big West player of the year, has yet to debut in 2025 after missing the Anteaters’ opening weekend games with a hamstring injury. Due to return to the field soon, Martinez also wants to return to another regional game, except this time with UC Irvine as Big West champions. But he also acknowledges that the pro chapter of his career will begin if everything goes to plan. 

While he remains present in the moment, the idea of being considered one of college baseball’s best means more than just having an impressive resume. Martinez, who is of Latino (Colombian and El Salvadorean) and Filipino descent, is proud to represent his roots, especially considering there aren’t too many people who look like him in college baseball.

“It’s awesome to represent my culture,” Martinez said. “I’m definitely not reserved about it. I let people know who I am and share my culture. I think it’s amazing representing something more than just myself. I’m proud of who I am.”

Carlos made sure his son never lost sight of his cultural identity. He often reminded him of the importance of pride and humility.

“The culture, it’s just so beautiful,” Carlos said. “I told him ‘You’re Latino, you play with pride.’ We’re human beings before any color of our skin. I hope Tony inspires kids to realize that it doesn’t matter your background, if you love to do this, and I work hard at this, all those doors will open.”

Tony wasn’t just motivated by representing his heritage to succeed on the field. The feeling of being overlooked played a huge factor in his journey.

Martinez always showed talent and promise, but as he headed into high school, the calls weren’t coming. And even when his recruiting trail became active during his sophomore year at De La Salle High School (Concord, CA.), many of those conversations led to nothing. Once again, Martinez was feeling doubted, but it ended up working in his favor.

“It still fuels me to this day,” Martinez said. “You always have those days where you don’t want to get up and work, but remembering those times and that feeling it gave me always motivates me.”

UC Irvine gave him a chance, and Martinez hasn’t looked back since. As he enters an important year of his career, he has taken the time to reflect on his career. It’s become more than just overcoming the odds. It’s about embracing and remembering those around him—his family, his culture and his drive to prove everyone wrong.

The journey started that with doubt now has undeniable success. And Martinez isn’t quite done yet.

“I just wanted to do as much as I could on my part,” Martinez said. “It’s taken me this far. To be able to get a scholarship and have the opportunity to potentially play professional baseball, it’s a dream come true. It’s a form of me giving back to my family for all the sacrifices they made.”