Temple College is celebrating the recent success of two former student-athletes who were chosen during the Major League Baseball Draft.
Former Leopard baseball players Joseph Redfield (outfield) and Luis Martinez-Gomez (pitcher) were among the 614 athletes drafted by the MLB’s 30 teams. Redfield and Martinez-Gomez are the 35th and 36th Leopards to be drafted in the past 25 years.
“We are extremely proud of both of these excellent players,” said Craig McMurtry, Temple College Athletic Director and head baseball coach. “Not only are they talented ballplayers, they are both excellent young men. It was a pleasure to coach them. I know I speak for the entire Temple College community when I say that we wish them the best as they advance and pursue their careers.”
Redfield, of Waco, was drafted in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Angels. He played for the Leopards in 2020-21 and 2021-22 before transferring to Sam Houston State University.
During his two seasons as a Leopard, Redfield batted .370 over the span of 88 games. This included 72 runs, 61 RBI, five home runs, 25 stolen bases and a slugging percentage of .524.
Martinez-Gomez, of Pomona, California, was drafted in the 10th round by the Chicago Cubs. He pitched for the Leopards in 2022-23.
Martinez-Gomez started 13 games with the Leopards, going 7-4, this past spring, including three complete games. He finished the season with 63.2 innings pitched, 56 strikeouts, an ERA of 2.83 and a WHIP of 1.18. He was named NTJCAC Pitcher of the Week in April following his fourth win of the season. During that game, he pitched six innings, allowing only three hits and one earned run.
McMurtry, who just completed his 25th year as the Leopards’ head coach, pitched in the major leagues for the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. He said it’s a joy to see his players succeed.
“I’ve been a part of this game for a long time as a coach and as a player. Coaching at Temple College has given me the opportunity to play a part in the lives of many players. It’s great to see them succeed – not only on baseball field, but in life,” McMurtry said. “While we’ve seen a number of our players move into professional baseball, we’ve also seen many athletes transfer to four-year universities, where they continue to play and earn their degrees.”
Temple College is home to five sports programs – volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, softball and baseball. Games are played at the Temple College Gym and the campus’ Danny Scott Sports Complex.
ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE
Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto and Taylor, offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree, or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.
Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 97 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.