Mr. Franklin W. Martz, 72, of Frederick, died on Saturday, April 7, 2012, at the Frederick Memorial Hospital, after a long illness that he handled with strength and courage. He and his wife Carol Krantz Martz, met in high school and were married for almost 49 years. He was the son of the late Franklin Augustus "Hank" Martz and Thelma Linton Martz. Frank was involved in baseball for most of his life. His baseball career began in 1951, as a member of Civitans little league team, one the original franchised little league teams in Frederick. His memorable baseball career included playing in the Pony League and Babe Ruth Baseball where they won many state championships and regional titles. He played for Frederick High School and was one of the youngest players selected for the Ijamsville Baseball Club, a semi-pro team. Two of his most proud accomplishments as a player, was being selected as one of only 21 players from around the country for the 1957 United States All Star Team, which played at the Polo Grounds in New York City, and later as a letterman and stand-out at The University of Maryland, where he received the coveted Bosey Berger Award, awarded to the most outstanding senior baseball player. He also was a member of the Frederick High School 1957 State Basketball Championship Team. Following his career as a player, Frank devoted countless hours to coaching and mentoring young baseball players in Little League with R.F. Kline East Frederick Little League team and Francis Scott Key Post 11 American Legion Baseball program. He served many years as President and in other various capacities with the Frederick Babe Ruth Baseball League, which hosted and sent several teams to Babe Ruth World Series around the country. In 1995, at the end of his active involvement in baseball, Frank was inducted into the Maryland State Baseball Hall of Fame. Frank had the great privilege to be associated with many wonderful people from his years as a player, coach and league representative. From those who mentored him, to his fellow team members, the players he coached and the very fine volunteers and families, so many of those became life long friends. His focus was not only on the fundamentals and love of the game, but to help young men become good citizens in their community. His hope was always that he could give back to baseball as much as it had given to him. Baseball gave him many opportunities, including an education, which was very important to him and ultimately opened the door for him to achieve his professional dream to become a lawyer. Frank practiced law in Frederick for over thirty years, starting with Richard E. "Dick" Zimmerman and then forming a partnership with his friend Greg Hayward in 1974 . Following Greg's death in 1978, Frank practiced with Walter C. "Clay" Martz, II until he retired. Frank loved everything about being a lawyer. He not only enjoyed his clients and took on their matters as if they were his own, he dearly loved his fellow members of the bar and could often be spotted on the courthouse corner laughing and joking with one of them. He could truly find common ground with anyone. He was a member of Grace United Church of Christ and was a past consistory member; member and past president of the Frederick County Bar Association, member of the Maryland Bar Foundation; charter member and past president of the Frederick Touchdown Club; member and past president of the Frederick Lions Club; past president of the Frederick County Heart Association; past president of the Elm Street, PTA; member and past president of the Frederick County Fish and Game Protective Association; member of the Frederick Elks Lodge; member of the Francis Scott Key American Legion and was involved in countless other community efforts. Frank truly looked forward each year to the Great Frederick Fair. He was proud to be Life Member and long time legal counsel to the Frederick County Agricultural Society. Inc. If it was Fair Week you would surely find Frank somewhere on the grounds. Surviving in addition to his loving wife and devoted partner Carol, are his three children; Franklin W. Martz, II and his wife Christina King Martz, of Chuluota, FL: Michelle M. Martz, of Woodsboro: and Daniel P. Martz and wife Terrie Rush Martz, of Hagerstown; one sister, Trisha A. Grove and husband James E., of Frederick; five grandchildren; Ethan Daniel Martz, Reed Nathaniel Martz, McKenzie Elizabeth Martz, Wyatt Cannon Garr and Madison Julie Garr; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He will also be remembered by many wonderful life long friends. Frank was preceded in death by a sister, Judy M. Martz. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the Grace United Church of Christ, 25 East Second Street. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Franklin W. Martz Youth Baseball Fund, in C/O The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Online condolences may be shared at keeneybasford.com.
