Logan Martin was hoping for a little bit of normalcy this upcoming baseball season after the 2020 season was cut short due to the pandemic.

However, the Sewanee University of the South sophomore, who has signed to play for the Copperheads this summer, had a second collegiate season altered by the coronavirus as Sewanee school officials announced this week to allow the Tigers baseball program to continue, but with near-crippling restrictions.

The Tigers will not travel, meaning opponents must be willing to travel to Sewanee for all games. If teams do elect to play at Sewanee, all safety protocols must be adhered to. Players will be tested and the only way a competition can take place if all results return negative.

The Tigers will not compete for a SAA championship and all team contests will not count toward conference play.

“It was really disappointing, I was looking to get back to a little bit of normalcy, and I guess I will have to wait for the summer for that,” Martin said. “I feel we have a great team and we would have been able to compete in our conference. From an athlete’s perspective, not being able to go for a championship is very frustrating.”

Visiting teams will have to deal with hotel restrictions involving Covid as well, so Martin said he believes the Tigers will play teams close to the campus, including NAIA and JUCO teams. Sewanee is located in Tennessee.

Martin said he’s excited for his opportunity this summer with the Copperheads.

“I’m very excited to play in the Coastal Plain League,” Martin said. “I grew up knowing all about it, it’s one of the most prestigious summer leagues. Playing in that league means a lot to me.”

As a freshman in the 2020 Covid-19 shortened season, Martin, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound right-hander from Cartersville, Ga., started five games, posting a 1-2 record with a 4.87 ERA. He allowed 11 earned runs in 20 1/3 innings pitched, walking eight and striking out 27, an 11.95 strikeout rate per nine innings. He was a member of the SAA Academic Honor Roll, University of the South Dean’s List for both semesters and won the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award.

At Cartersville High School, he was named all-county, all-region and all-state while earning numerous academic honors as well.

“I have always played with a chip on my shoulder,” Martin said. “I am going to work while no one is watching. You line up any 10 guys and I’m the one who is going to work the hardest.”

Sewanee head baseball coach  David Jenkins said he has already seen that in Martin.

“He is a fierce competitor, someone who gets after it,” Jenkins said. “He’s just a hard worker. He doesn’t need anyone holding his hand. He knows what has to be done and how to take care of himself. He’s a great leader and the guys will follow him.”

Asheboro head coach and General Manager Keith Ritsche said he’s excited to welcome Martin to the team.

“I’ve heard many great things about Logan, including about how hard he works and his competitiveness,” Ritsche said. “He’s a hard thrower and has swing-and-miss stuff. We look for him to play a vital role on our pitching staff this summer whether it be starting or in the back end of our bullpen.”

At present, Jenkins said Martin, who has an “above above-average” slider, is throwing in the high 80s and should get to the low 90s before the season begins.

“He’s a great kid,” Jenkins said. “Anything you say good is Logan Martin. “You guys are going to love having him on your team.”

Martin said he feels comfortable in any role on the mound.

“I’ve been a starter at Sewanee, but I could close or start,” said Martin, who uses his off-speed pitches and slider very well. “Wherever I’m needed.”

That’s an attitude that usually leads to success.