Ortega departs Chamberlain after three seasons

Martin Ortega stepped down as head coach at Chamberlain High on Thursday, after three seasons leading the Storm.

By Jarrett Guthrie, Editor

TAMPA – Martin Ortega has left his position as head coach of Chamberlain High’s baseball team, effective immediately, 813Preps confirmed in a phone call on Thursday afternoon. Ortega informed a number of area coaches of his decision earlier in the day.

This marks the second departure of a head baseball coach in as many days (click here to read more about Jason Smith’s departure at Riverview), leaving teams without leadership just over two weeks away of the preseason FHSAA Arm Conditioning Care program is set to begin on January 8th.

Ortega, who took over the team after an illness cut short the first season of former coach Robert Cole, made solid strides in his three season, taking the program from three wins in his first two years, to a 11-13 season in 2023.

“We won 11 games, something this program has not done in more than 10 years,” Ortega said. “I did what I can, building a team from scratch, and am proud of those things.”

In a phone conversation with 813Preps, Ortega cited multiple reasons for his departure, but due his continuation as a teacher at the school said he preferred to not publicly address them at this time. He stated on the record that his decision is one that he felt was best for him personally, and for his family.

A voicemail was left with Chamberlain AD Luis Suarez Thursday afternoon, but had not yet been returned at time of publication. If further details are provided that are crucial to this story, we will update at that time.