Martir, Papio Return as Student Assistants
8/17/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Former Maryland baseball players Anthony Papio and Kevin Martir will return to Maryland as Student Assistant Coaches, head coach John Szefc announced Wednesday.
“We are happy to have Anthony and Kevin return to the program,” Szefc said. “Both guys were outstanding players and leaders during their Maryland careers and will serve as valuable resources for our current group of players.”
Papio, who finished his Maryland career in May, will be in his role for the entirety of the 2017 season. An 18th round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 2015, Martir will join the team for the fall before returning to his Astros minor league affiliate.
One of the best catchers in Maryland history, Martir was named a third-team All-American in 2015 after leading the Terps in average (.342) and on-base percentage (.441) along with slugging seven home runs and 17 doubles. He notched 45 RBI and scored 45 runs.
Martir started 158 games over the course of three seasons and was noted for his defensive skill behind the plate and skill in managing his pitchers. He was a central figure in the two most successful seasons in Maryland history, helping the Terps to a combined 82 wins and two NCAA Regional Championships over his last two campaigns in College Park.
After being selected by the Astros in the 2015 MLB Draft, Martir continued his winning ways, capturing an Appalachian League title with the Greeneville Astros. He is currently a member of the Tri-City Valleycats of the Class-A New York-Penn League.
Papio was also a member of Maryland's sensational 2014 and 2015 squads. A versatile outfielder, Papio started all 66 games in 2015 and was named to the Los Angeles Regional All-Tournament team after his clutch hitting and superb defense helped Maryland topple No. 1 overall seed UCLA.
The Olney, Md., native finished his career as the winningest player in Maryland history as the Terps captured 174 victories over his five seasons in College Park. He also played the most games in school history (230) and ranks second all-time in triples (9).
Papio was also a contributor off the field, earning Big Ten All-Academic honors twice and being honored by the Big Ten as Maryland's Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winner in 2016.
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