‘Prayers and love’: Health update on coach Martin
Carol Martin appreciates the thoughts, prayers and kind words.
As legendary Florida State baseball coach Mike Martin continues to deal with the harsh effects of Lewy body dementia, wife Carol is embracing the love and support of friends and fans who helped define her husband’s success.
“I want people to feel they are included,” Carol Martin told the Tallahassee Democrat Wednesday.
“That’s part of Mike’s story, his success. All these people who supported him and came to baseball games and bought season tickets for all those years, they deserve some credit for his success.”
Former FSU baseball coach Mike Martin under hospice care
Martin, 79, who was diagnosed with this terminal disease during the summer of 2021, has been under hospice care locally for two weeks.
Carol has praised the staff ’s palliative care (specialized medical care providing relief from pain and other symptoms) and professionalism.
Heartfelt messages to Mike Martin and family have started to appear across social media.
Former assistant coach Steve Winterling, for example, posted Wednesday “thoughts and prayers go out to Mike and his family. I enjoyed being on his staff from 1986-1991 and learning so much about baseball and life. The Seminole baseball family is strong.”
Added former Seminole All-American and Major League star Doug Mientkiewicz: “You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for seeing something in me that not many saw! I’m forever grateful for you allowing me to put that uniform on and more importantly be apart of this family. I was a small part of it but all I can say is thank you thank you thank you! GO NOLES!”
Carol said her family – Mary Beth, Melanie and Mike Martin Jr. – is holding up emotionally and are grateful of everyone’s support.
“We are all helping each other,” Carol Martin said. “I am getting so many heartfelt messages, we are overwhelmed. Prayers and love are most appreciated by our family.”
While uncertain of the future, Carol – Mike’s wife of 58 years – also wants people to know a celebration of Martin’s life will be scheduled at Howser Stadium.
She is thankful fans have been part of their journey since Martin was named FSU’s coach in 1979. He retired following the 2019 seasons after a 47-year career as a player, assistant and 40 years as head coach.
Martin is the all-time winningest coach (2,029736-4) in NCAA history in any sport.
“I want everyone to know what we are planning is for everybody,” Carol said.