Miami, FL – Miami Marlins hitting coach Tino Martinez resigned Sunday, following the release of published reports that outlines patters of abusive behavior.
Martinez, who won four World Series titles with the Yankees over his 16-year career, was in his first season as the Marlins hitting coach.
"We've accepted Tino Martinez's resignation as hitting coach, postgame today," Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. "We will get back to you in short order on a replacement. That's all we have."
According to multiple reports, Martinez was physically and verbally abusive toward several Marlins players. Martinez, however, denies any physical abuse.
"I just thought with some young players, you needed to be a little firmer and try to get them on the right track," Martinez said. "Obviously, I made a mistake, and I apologize for that too. I apologize to the Marlins' organization, my family and everyone involved."
According to a Sun-Sentinel report, Martinez had engaged in disagreements with manager Mike Redmond along with a physical altercation with rookie second baseman Derek Dietrich. The allegations suggest Martinez had grabbed Dietrich by the neck, but Martinez firmly denied those allegations.
"I want to say that I never physically touched anyone by the neck. That never happened," said Martinez.
Miami named field director John Pierson the interim hitting coach.
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