Longtime Ashland radio football and basketball play-by-play announcer Dicky Martin passed away this evening after a short bout with cancer. He was one of the best play-by-play guys there were. He was an Ashland guy through and through but he was great at his job. R.I.P

Dicky was a homer, but also a great play by play guy.

My heart is broken. I loved Dicky. He had a way of rubbing fans of opposing teams the wrong way when they listened, but Dicky truly was the best play by play man in the state, and he never apologized for loving his Tomcats. RIP, my friend. 

Dicky Martin truly had my back during a tough stretch in my life, following the loss of my father. I will never forget the kindness and support he showed me. In late 2019 and into 2020, it felt as though Dicky swooped in and helped reverse the course of multiple areas that were going south. On the announcing side, Dicky will always be the voice of the Tomcats. His talent, passion, and presence behind the microphone were unmatched. A Hall of Famer in Kentucky, his résumé was filled with moments and memories forged through years of dedication to the game, the athletes, and the community he loved. While such accomplishments highlight the legendary announcer he was, I would like to take a moment to reflect on another side of Dicky Martin.

 

The man, Dicky Martin.

 

Dicky Martin was a man who had faith in Jesus Christ. He was the kind of person who went above and beyond for others—offering rides to games for those who may not have had a way to get there. The community involvement he had, helping those in need. A Father figure to some players, who sadly did not have that at home. Dicky took time to critique games, and providing honest, encouraging feedback to young broadcasters and players alike. Dicky was also a deeply devoted grandfather who often spoke with pride about his family. His kindness, generosity, and compassion left a tremendous impact on everyone he met.

 

Having played football at Ashland during my high school years, I would occasionally see Dicky around the program or in the community, exchanging nods or greetings at the gas station or a local restaurant. In 2017, during my first season calling semi-pro football, I sought his advice. He graciously shared his contact information, and we would occasionally talk during halftime of games.

 

In late 2018 life brought a series of challenges including the loss of my cat Bubba who I was attached to, followed by my Father after a lengthy illness in January 2019. By the summer of 2019 I was a shell of myself and to stay active in something, the goal was decided to attend every Ashland game I could that fall. During halftime at one of the basketball games, Dicky was in the lobby. I thought about searching to give announcing at the high school level a try and with the season being halfway over, did not expect anything available until possibly the fall, nearly a year away. Dicky would extend the invitation to join him on a game, which again shows how Dicky was looking to go above and beyond to help somebody.

 

That first game held deep personal significance with it being exactly one year after my father’s passing on January 9, 2020. But it was the second game was when I grew to know what Dicky was really like as a person. Afterward I thanked Dicky for the opportunity and shared the struggles over the past year. A heartfelt conversation in the parking lot revealed shared ground and began a connection that would leave a profound impact on me. Dicky played a pivotal role in helping me emerge from a place of grief and despair. He became, in many ways, a father figure during a rough patch.

 

Dicky Martin’s faith in Christ and his character stood even greater than his legendary voice. His kindness—whether through a ride given, a door held open, or a word of encouragement—flowed naturally from his unwavering faith and generous heart. Unlike the announcing end where Dicky had the required talent, this asks for no spotlight and requires no extraordinary talent, only a willingness to serve others.

 

Dicky Martin was, is, and will forever be the voice of the Tomcats. As great of an announcer as he was, he had a strong faith in Christ and was an even better man. His legacy of kindness, faith, and excellence will stretch for generations.

An icon in the community and around the state. I will miss his voice and respect his commitment to high school athletics. A true Tomcat fan to the core but he still loved and respected all of our local kids and coaches. Friday nights won't be the same. 

RIP Dicky! ???

As far as I'm concerned, Dicky was the Cawood Ledford of high school school play-by-play men. I've never heard anyone better at this level. His delivery was pitch perfect.

He'll always have detractors, because he never bothered to hide whose corner he was in. He was fiercely loyal to the Tomcats and unapologetic about it. But that's part of what made him so good. He had a talent for conveying the passion and importance of the moment through the radio like few others could. It always felt natural, never forced.

If you were able to look past the maroon drenched shades he wore, even fans of Ashland's rivals could appreciate how much he elevated a game through his work on the mic.

Dicky took plenty of swipes at Jim Matney over the years. I like to think they're sharing a laugh about it now. Or maybe Dicky's still swiping, idk. ? 

13 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

As far as I'm concerned, Dicky was the Cawood Ledford of high school school play-by-play men. I've never heard anyone better at this level. His delivery was pitch perfect.

He'll always have detractors, because he never bothered to hide whose corner he was in. He was fiercely loyal to the Tomcats and unapologetic about it. But that's part of what made him so good. He had a talent for conveying the passion and importance of the moment through the radio like few others could. It always felt natural, never forced.

If you were able to look past the maroon drenched shades he wore, even fans of Ashland's rivals could appreciate how much he elevated a game through his work on the mic.

Dicky took plenty of swipes at Jim Matney over the years. I like to think they're sharing a laugh about it now. Or maybe Dicky's still swiping, idk. ? 

I mentioned on another recent thread that Ashland vs. JC may be the most underrated rivalry in the State when you consider the stakes, competitiveness of the series, and that both sides genuinely don't like each other.

Dicky Martin is right in the heart of of this rivalry. He was the gasoline to that fire.

I 100% agree that Matney and him probably are having a good laugh about it because what made everything Dicky said work more was the fact that Jim Matney's #1 favorite coaching tool and his absolute favorite motivation tactic was always playing the "Disrespect" and "Underdog" card.

Matney could be playing winless Rowan County and the Vikings could be ravaged by the flu and he would find a way to convince his team that nobody believes they can win and that the only reason they have the flu is to try and give it to them. 

All that to be said, Dicky gave Matney absolutely his favorite junk food and I am sure Matney lowkey thought it was entertaining and funny even if that's not what he told his team and parents.

The family would like to invite everyone to a community service in honor of Dicky’s life, Saturday October 25, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Historic Putnam Stadium. Please wear your favorite maroon and white.