Limestone softball alumnae joined their coach Jimmy Martin Sunday in front of the new sign for “Jimmy Martin Field.” (Ledger Photo by SCOTT POWELL)
Jimmy Martin left a lasting legacy on the lives of Limestone University softball players in a 23 year coaching career where he guided the program to new heights.
The longtime Saint received the ultimate honor Sunday when Limestone unveiled a sign for “Jimmy Martin Field” at its new softball complex between games of a doubleheader. The field was recently built in a grass area next to the Timken Center and marked the return of Limestone softball to campus for the first time since 2014.
Limestone interim president Dr. Monica Baloga presented Martin with a special gift on behalf of the university to commemorate the special occasion. After the ceremony, Limestone softball alumnae joined guests on the field for an official photo in front of the new field sign.
The idea to name the softball field in honor of Martin started with a grassroots effort in 2014 led by Limestone alumna and former softball player Niki Woodberry Midgett. She organized a “Fight Like Jimmy” campaign that raised $65,000 to secure naming rights.
During her senior season, Midgett had both her father and mother pass away unexpectedly.
“Jimmy and his wife, Beth, took me under their wing and served as surrogate parents,” Midgett said. “Through these hard times, Jimmy and Beth were my rock. I will never, ever forget that. I love Jimmy and Beth with all my heart. They are special people.”
Martin, a Gaffney native, was named the fifth head coach in Limestone program history in 1990. He won 614 games, two NAIA District 6 championships, captured five conference championships and earned three national rankings.
Along with leading the softball program, Martin also served as the Limestone head women’s volleyball coach from 1991-1999. He was an assistant women’s basketball coach during the 1988-1989 season.
While on a summer vacation in Myrtle Beach in 2012, Martin suffered a near fatal stroke that left him at the time paralyzed on the left side of his body and with impaired vision. Martin endured hours of rehabilitation and eventually returned to Limestone for a five year stint as associate athletics director for facilities before his retirement.
“God has blessed me more times than I deserve,” said Martin, who credits his family’s support and the work of physical therapists for his ongoing recovery from the stroke.
Martin walked on a Limestone softball field for the first time in 11 years Sunday afternoon for the unveiling of the sign for the “Jimmy Martin Field.” In a unique twist, the new home for Limestone softball teams is located in the same location by Timken where the program started in the mid-1970s.
Limestone officials have said the new softball complex will be further developed in the future. Fundraising efforts are underway to add permanent stands, brick dugouts, batting cages, bullpen areas and a new softball locker room inside the Timken Center.
Ever modest, Martin was quick to give credit for any of his successes to the Limestone softball players he coached for more than two decades. He was happiest for the current team members who finally have a game field to call their own on campus.
“All my players became my softball daughters,” Martin said. “It’s not what I’ve done. The players deserve all the credit. I just helped guide them a little bit.”
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