Tino Martinez Resigns As Miami Marlins Hitting Coach After Reports Of Abuse Made Public

MIAMI (AP) — Tino Martinez has resigned as the Miami Marlins' hitting coach after players complained he verbally abused them.

Martinez was in his first year as a professional coach. He met with Marlins officials after Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Pirates and resigned.

Martinez apologized for his behavior, saying he got in trouble for comments to players he intended as constructive criticism. He conceded he became frustrated in his role with the Marlins, who have ranked last in the majors in batting and runs for most of the season.

Martinez said he once touched a player in anger, grabbing rookie Derek Dietrich by the jersey in the batting cage early this season. Dietrich, recently demoted to Triple-A New Orleans, was among the players to complain about Martinez.