Williamsburg, KY – Continuing the momentum from one of the most successful seasons in program history, two University of the Cumberlands Baseball standouts, Alec Gonzalez and Edwin Martinez, have officially signed to play professional baseball, furthering their athletic careers at the next level.
 
Alec Gonzalez signed with the Schaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League, based in Schaumburg, Illinois. The Frontier League is the largest independent professional league in North America and operates as an MLB Partner League, with teams located across the Midwest and Canada.
 
Gonzalez, a shortstop from Chicago, IL, made an immediate impact in his two seasons with the Patriots. A defensive anchor and consistent force at the plate, Gonzalez earned NAIA Second Team All-American honors this season. He was also named to the Mid-South Conference First Team All-Conference for the second consecutive year and received the MSC Gold Glove Award for his stellar defensive play.
 
In 2025, Gonzalez started all 62 games and posted a .343 batting average, tallying 79 hits, including 19 doubles, one triple, and eight home runs. He drove in 70 RBIs and registered a .539 slugging percentage with a .424 on-base percentage. On the basepaths, he went a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts. Defensively, he recorded 234 total chances at shortstop with 80 putouts, turned 34 double plays, and finished with a .940 fielding percentage.
 
Edwin Martinez has signed to continue his career with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox of the Pioneer League, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Pioneer League, which began in 1939 and joined the ranks of MLB Partner Leagues in 2021, features teams throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
 
Martinez, a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico, spent one season with the Patriots and made the most of his time. The infielder appeared in 52 games with 48 starts, compiling a .382 batting average, which ranked among the top on the team. He racked up 66 hits, including 14 doubles, one triple, and four home runs, while driving in 44 RBIs. Martinez also drew 18 walks and tallied 17 stolen bases in 20 attempts. In the field, he maintained a .976 fielding percentage across 168 chances, committing only four errors on the season.
 
Head Coach Brad Shelton shared, "I am very happy for Alec and Edwin. They both had outstanding seasons and have earned this opportunity." Shelton added, "They've both worked really hard and left here with degrees and championships with a shot at professional baseball. I am excited to follow their careers in each of these MLB Partnership leagues."
 
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