Return of Tar Heel Legends
North Carolina baseball coach Scott Fobes announced the promotion of Kyle Datres and Brandon Martorano to full‑time Director of Player Development positions, a move that builds on their proven track records as assistant coaches and their deep ties to the program.
Datres, a former Tar Heel standout who earned All‑American honors in 2018, brings a deep understanding of offensive strategy after a professional stint that included seven seasons in the Colorado Rockies organization. Martorano, a defensive stalwart behind the plate from 2017 to 2019, leverages his experience as a 16th‑round draft pick of the San Francisco Giants and six years that took him to the Triple‑A level.
A Strategic Boost for the Program
Their contributions were pivotal during the Tar Heels’ run to the College World Series Finals, a campaign that saw the team set a new single‑season runs record and rank among the ACC’s top defenses. The duo’s blend of hitting prowess and catching expertise helped shape a championship‑caliber squad.
Both alumni returned to Chapel Hill after completing their degrees at UNC, choosing to give back to the program that launched their careers. Their return aligns with the coaching staff’s broader goal of elevating player preparation for the upcoming fall season.
Looking Ahead
Fall practice for the Carolina baseball program is slated to begin on September 7 at Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium, where the newly appointed directors will oversee offensive development and catcher training respectively. The promotions signal a strategic investment in continuity, leveraging the institutional knowledge of two players who have experienced the program from both a competitive and developmental perspective.
With the fall schedule approaching, the Tar Heels hope the added expertise will translate into even stronger performances on the diamond, as they aim to build on the momentum generated by their recent championship‑contending run.