THE LAST RIDE: Clements’ Martinez Soaking Up Senior Year
FOR MOST HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES, THE DREAM IS TO KEEP PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL. FOR CLEMENTS PITCHER DANTE MARTINEZ, THE PERSPECTIVE IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
The senior knows this is his final ride in competitive baseball, and he plans to enjoy every second of it. Having played the game since he was five years old, Martinez isn’t taking a single inning for granted this season.
“I have no intention of playing in college, so I want to have the best time this season and see how far we can take it,” said the second-team, all-district selection. “I love the quote, ‘Live every moment like it’s your last.’ When you think about it, it holds a lot of value. That’s the plan this year — just let it rip.”
Clements got a taste of postseason baseball a year ago after finishing second in district play. Now, the Rangers want more.
“Getting a taste of the playoffs just makes us want it even more,” Martinez said. “We know we have it in us, so we’re looking to win district and try to take a few more steps in the playoffs.”
Martinez has always embraced the pressure that comes with the game. In fact, he welcomes it.
“I play with the mentality of wanting the ball to come to me at the most important time,” he said. “Some people shy away from that pressure, but I have a lot of confidence in my ability. I want the ball.”
That mentality mirrors the steady rhythm of baseball itself — something Martinez has always appreciated.
“There’s something about the consistency of baseball,” he said. “The routine, trying to improve every day at practice — that’s what I love. Baseball helps me take my mind off things and just allows me to play.”
While his future may include studying business or math in college rather than taking the mound, Martinez knows the lessons from the diamond will stay with him long after the final out.
“It’s really been my life for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’m going to miss it, but I’ll take all the memories and hopefully finish on a good note.”
For Martinez, the scoreboard will eventually go dark — but the memories from the diamond will last forever.