Dante Martinez takes a group photo with his baseball team. 

For the second consecutive year, the Tyler High baseball program is sending another Lion to play collegiate ball.

Dante Martinez, Tyler’s multiple talented player, signed with Dallas College-Cedar Valley during a ceremony on Friday at the Dr. Martin L. Edwards Jr. Theatre on the THS campus.

“I am so excited today; It has been a dream of mine to play on the next level,” Martinez said. “I owe it all to my family, coaches and teammates. I am so thankful.”

Martinez is slated to play shortstop and pitcher for the Suns. As a Lion, Martinez plays multiple positions including catcher and outfield.

“Dante has been the cornerstone of our program here at Tyler High for the last two years,” Tyler Coach Seth Gibson said. “His work ethic on and off the field has inspired us all and we wish him nothing but the best at Cedar Valley. Nobody is more deserving, and we are all so proud of him.”

Last season, Martinez hit .315 with 12 stolen bases, 12 runs scored and 20 walks.

On the mound, he struck out 61 and walked only 13 batters. He had a 2.87 ERA.

Martinez, who plans to major in business, started as a freshman. He was the All-District 15-5A Utility Player of the Year.

He is a three-time all-district player and a two-time Tyler Morning Telegraph All-East Texas player.

Martinez’s parents, siblings, cousins, family and friends, along with teammates were on hand for the ceremony.

The Suns are an NJCAA Division III and compets in Region V, along with Brookhaven, Eastfield, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland.

Cedar Valley is located Lancaster.