March 9th, 2019: Mike Martin celebrates his 2,000 win after a thrilling 5-2 doubleheader victory in game two over Virginia Tech.
Stunned silence, save for the faint sounds of the warchant, crept over Alex Box Stadium as Florida State sealed their 42nd straight 40 win season. Omaha is on the lips of every Seminole across the nation. In the unlikeliest of seasons, Mike Martin once again has his team in the running to, perhaps, win the College World Series.
Seminole faithful have but to ask themselves: was this outcome ever really in question?
Certainly, the regular season record (36-21, 17-13 ACC) would lead most rational fans to conclude, “Of course!” However, when compared to the monolith NCAA record win count, the sixteen College World Series berths, forty post-season appearances (every season under his tenure), nineteen tournament championships (11 Metro Conference, 8 Atlantic Coastal Conference), and thirteen Coach of the Year awards (6 Metro Conference, 7 Atlantic Coastal Conference), it becomes a bit clear that this isn’t Mike Martin’s first rodeo.
No doubt the subject of Mike Martin’s tenure at Florida State has, of late, been of topical debate considering the one accomplishment lacking in his unquestionably historic run at helm. Yet here we stand, aghast and amidst whimsical speculation once more. Mike Martin has worked his magic yet again.
Florida State is on the cusp of something profound. Could it really be that, in all his years, the unlikeliest of Seminole teams can be THE one?
Like a curse, the College World Series has eluded Florida State in spite of 11’s accomplishments and feats. The Seminoles, under his watch, had set a model of consistency and changed the sport in monumental ways. Despite this, the National Championship always escaped FSU. It is the one goal yet to be achieved by this program.
For one night in Baton Rouge, the strains of years past melted away in the euphoria of this victoriy. The accomplishments of Mike Martin prepared his team for the best another historic program could muster.
Seminoles across the globe, despite their voiced concerns about the state of their baseball program, have suspended their disbelief once again. “Of course!” Mike Martin would achieve 40 wins for yet another season! “Of course!” Mike Martin would have this team in contention for another run at the College World Series. “Of course!” Tim Becker would shock the top four seeded Bulldogs in Athens. “Of course!” Reese Albert would nail a three run Home run to tie thirteen seed LSU in Baton Rouge at the top of the seventh inning, and another home run at the top of the ninth to seal the win. “Of course!” Mike Martin would earn his 40th win in as many seasons. “Of course!” The Seminoles would be one win away from Omaha.
Of course!
So Seminole faithful will dream, once again, of Mike Martin finally winning it all. While it may not happen, as in seasons past, Florida State has reason to dare dream again.
Mike Martin’s legacy is built upon the dreams of possibility, and the tenured will to guide those who wish to speak it into existence.
The dream continues as Florida State is headed back to Omaha with an improbable and magical run to College World Series!
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