The Dodgers drafted a pitcher from Georgia with their first selection in the MLB draft, securing right-hander Ethan Martin from Stephens County High in Toccoa, Ga.
Martin was also the quarterback for the Stephens County football team and appeared to be on his way to Clemson via a scholarship until the Dodgers drafted him. Martin called the Tigers’ coaching staff and informed them of his decision to sign with the Dodgers.
During his final year, Martin earned Georgia High School Player of the Year honors and had a record of 11-1 with a 0.99 ERA as a senior.
Martin, who is represented by Al Goetz, said yesterday “Nothing is official yet, but I really do think we can get this worked out with the Dodgers.”
Martin, 19, is perhaps best known for his part leading up to a YouTube video from the Georgia AAA state championship game against Cartersville. During the previous inning, Martin was called out on strikes and appeared to be noticeably upset, even throwing his helmet after the at-bat. His younger brother Cody grabbed the mound following the incided and threw a high pitch that the catcher ducked under, causing the throw to strike the umpire in the face mask. The video is embedded below for your viewing enjoyment. Stephens County was fined $1,000 by the state high school athletics governing board.