Longtime San Benito Lady ’Hounds head softball coach Elias Martinez is seen in this file photo taken during the team’s Elite 8 run in 2011. Like San Benito softball, Martinez has become a staple in the local athletic realm and has thus cemented a spot in local sports history. (Photo by T.J. Tijerina)
By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
The San Benito Lady ’Hounds softball program has a history of dominating opponents on the softball field. The program’s success has become a tradition dating back to the mid 1990s.
While San Benito has seen many outstanding players, many who have taken their skills to the collegiate level, there has been one common denominator throughout Lady ’Hound history: Coach Elias Martinez.
While he is the last person to take credit for the success of the Lady ’Hounds, and not to take any away from the extraordinary athletes who have benefited his program, there is no doubt about Martinez’ impact on the program throughout its history.
Martinez was there from the beginning.
According to Martinez, his original intention was to become the assistant varsity baseball coach, but things didn’t work out. Soon after, the softball program was established and Martinez became the assistant varsity coach under skipper Butch Brotherton.
After four seasons, including a Sweet 16 appearance, Martinez was named the head coach, and the rest is history.
“The girls that we have are good athletes,” Martinez said. “They come up wanting to play the game the way it should be, with heart and passion. They practice hard. They don’t want to be the first team to not make playoffs. They take a lot of pride in winning and being successful. There’s a lot of competition, so they need to bring their A-game.”
Since Martinez became head coach, the Lady ’Hounds have had an overall record of 339-109 and earned 50 playoff appearances, 32 playoff championships, 13 consecutive 20-plus win seasons, and two 30-win seasons.
With such a decorated resume, Martinez continues to deflect all credit to his team.
“We have a system that we do,” Martinez said. “It’s the coaches and the players. We just got that system going. We all get along. We try to make it fun but realistic. The girls are really focused and we’ve been successful with it so far.”
Read this story in the March 10 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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