MANHATTAN (KSNT) - Kansas State baseball has both a shortstop and a slugger in Maximus Martin. Martin is a junior, but is in his first year with the Wildcats after stops at Rutgers and, most recently, Georgia State. The New Jersey native joined K-Nation's Caroline Soro for a one-on-one interview to discuss his time in Manhattan so far, as well as his success in the batter's box. "I had a really great opportunity where coaches [at K-State] reached out to me and told me what it was and gave me a great shot," Martin said. "I thought it would be a really great place for me to come and learn how to be a man and also get an opportunity to play baseball." Martin currently sits in second place in the Big 12, and in the Top-25 nationally, with 11 home runs on the season. The first-year 'Cat has sent more baseballs over the wall this season than he did at his previous two schools combined. When asked about how he's developed himself at a hitter, in terms of power, his swing and pitch selection, Martin gave all of the credit to his K-State coaches. "They kind of instilled in me and aggressive approach," Martin said. "I've always been a pretty timid batter, but they've given me the green light to go ahead and get my swings off, so I think that's been a big part of the power difference." The junior is excited to build upon last year's success in the NCAA tournament, but he's also excited to see K-State fans to pack the stands at Tointon Family Stadium during home games. The full interview with Martin aired in Sunday's episode of K-Nation and can be watched above. K-Nation airs every Sunday night following 27 News at 10, only on KSNT. ...read more read less