Winning mentality: Fall River native assumes head coaching duties at Somerset Berkley

SOMERSET — Jason Martin has tasted success since his high school days at Diman Regional Vocational Technical School.

As a junior, he started at second base for a Bengals team that went undefeated during the regular season. He received a bunch of accolades as a catcher his senior year, including being named a Herald News All-Scholastic.

Now, the Fall River native is ready to write a new chapter in his life.

Martin was recently named the new Somerset Berkley baseball coach for spring this season. Martin takes over a group that finished 16-4 in 2023 and advanced to the Division 2 Sweet 16 state tournament.

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"When the job opened up, I had a few people from the town of Somerset to apply," Martin said. "At the time I wasn't really looking because I was happy over at Case. But I put in for it and I got it."

Martin played for Diman from 2002-2005. He was under the direction of legendary, longtime head coach John Pacheco and current Bengals head coach Floriano Lima. Martin was part of the Maplewood Babe Ruth League team that captured consecutive state championships from 2002-2004. He also played for the Fall River Post 314 American Legion team that won the Zone 9 championship in 2005.

He started his baseball coaching career in 2015 as a junior varisty coach for Durfee High School and then the following year as a varsity assistant until 2019. Martin was a varsity assistant for the Cardinals in 2023. He is the assistant pro director for the Bay Sox baseball program and is still active playing the sport he loved in his spare time.

So what does Martin find challenging in his new position?

"I learned through four games, it's tough handling all the head coach responsibility," Martin said. "There is a lot going on with handling the JV and varisty roster to media. It's a lot, different personalities, disciplinary things and grades.

"But the kids have been great. There are no issues which is good. All and all, this is kind of what I expected. I knew coming in we had a talented team. Now it is just managing these personalities and how do we get the best out of each and every kid."

Currently, the Raiders are off to a fast 5-2 start to begin the 2024 season.

No surprise here. Martin has that winning culture in his blood.

Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Jason Martin takes over SBR baseball program