Alma Mater: Florida State University
Coaching Career:
• Has won more than 1,500 games in his 30 years with FSU.
• Member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
• 154 of his players have been selected in the MLB Draft.
• FSU's baseball field is named after him.
Selected Struggle: Forgiveness
Dictionary definition: "The act of excusing a mistake or offense."
My definition: "My definition would simply be Jesus. I don't think of any other person, place or thing when the word 'forgive' is spoken."
Who helped me learn how to forgive: "Pastor Chuck Swindoll and my own preacher, Bob Tindale. They both have given sermons on the topic of forgiveness."
Favorite Scripture that deals with forgiveness: Luke 6:37 – "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Why I chose this passage: "A number of times, when somebody does something against you, you not only judge him, but you also condemn him. You don't really know why he did it. And, in some instances, you might not even know what he did, only what you thought he did. I think the Bible clearly states that, if we are not able to forgive others, how can our heavenly Father forgive us?"
How I've learned to be forgiving in life: "The ability to forgive has been very difficult for me — something I deal with on a daily basis. But the thing I've learned is that the person who is not able to forgive is the one who suffers the inner torment, not the person who did wrong.
"I faced a situation where a business deal went bad. I was encouraged by someone to make an investment they thought was good, but it didn't turn out how he expected. Every time I started to harbor contempt in my heart, I either heard a message in church or read a devotion about forgiveness. It was up to me to react in a positive way.
"There are a lot of things put before us, and we have choices to make. I had to realize there was no harmful intent; it was just a bad suggestion. My choosing to forgive was the Christian thing to do; it was right."
How I've learned to be forgiving as a coach: "I think, as coaches, we all struggle with unforgiveness. We still have to apply forgiveness to coaching as we do to everyday life. If we don't, it will eat at us even more.
"Coaching is difficult enough, and, when you add a personal vendetta, you are putting too much on your plate. You need to concentrate on your team and not the coach you have a problem with. You need to put your effort into doing what you feel is best for the team, not in revenge for someone you feel has wronged you.
"The best advice I can give is to get over it. If you don't, you are liable to affect others around you, including your players. And there is no question that pride is the source of why we hold on to unforgiveness. Our ego has been hurt. But the Bible clearly states we should all be quick to forgive. And once we do, we receive God's peace about the situation."
FCA Involvement: Coach Mike Martin has been active in FCA since he came to Florida State more than 30 years ago. Through his connection to current FCA Area Director Ernie Stevenson, a former co-worker, Martin became an integral part of the ministry in the Tallahassee community. He not only allows Bible studies and chapel services for his team, but he also speaks on behalf of FCA.
"FCA is very important to my wife and I," Martin said. "It encourages you to practice what you preach, and Ernie Stevenson always has a kind word to share that helps put things in perspective."
FCA Staff Quote: "Coach Martin is a faithful supporter of and contributor to FCA on all fronts. Over the last 30 years, he has made himself available for speaking engagements and has been eager to help minister. And as a coach, he truly models Christ-like character." – FCA Area Director Ernie Stevenson
Originally published: June 2009
Photos courtesy of FSU Sports Information