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The softball world, while focused on the Women’s College World Series, is also keeping a close eye on the health status of James Lamar, the head of one of the top travel ball organizations in the country, the Lady Dukes.
Coach Lamar, who is married to Duke University head coach Marissa Young, and has four athletic children — Braylon, Layla, Jolyna and Kayden–has been hospitalized since Tuesday evening.
Coach Marissa told Extra Inning Softball this morning that she and her family continue to rely on the support of so many in and out of the softball world.
“Seeing how many people love and have been positively impacted by James has truly helped us get thru these difficult days,” she said. “James is strong in his faith and has a generous heart for others and we believe his work is not done. We all know James is a fighter and we’re confident God’s miraculous healing power is upon him.”
“Thank you to everyone who has reached and continues to pray for him. We are overwhelmed and not able to respond to everyone that reaches but know that your messages are much appreciated.”
Coach Lamar, who had emergency heart surgery Tuesday night (May 30) and was placed on life support, had another operation yesterday and it seemed to be a positive step as a device was placed in the heart to help it.
However, Coach Young issued the following announcement on social media after the device reportedly didn’t work as hoped.
Update: 💔 his body didn’t respond to yesterday’s surgery, so he will have to have another open ❤️ surgery today. We continue 2 trust God’s plan & healing ability! pic.twitter.com/5F1YZjhvnp
— Marissa Young (@DukeCoachYoung) June 2, 2023
As one coach in the Lady Dukes club organization stated this morning:
“Yes, 4 surgeries in 3 days! Yes, that’s tuff!! Just got to keep praying 🙏🏿”
The softball & sports communities continue in massive support of the longtime club coach as indicated by just a few of the social media posts included below:
@LadyDukesLamar We want to send our thoughts and prayers to one of the biggest influences on our sport. Keep fighting James Lamar! pic.twitter.com/IlJUlxY3x5
— Shockwaves Pirillo (@SWpirillo) June 1, 2023
Prayers up for James Lamar, the father of Miami Hurricane Braylon Lamar, as he remains hospitalized after having emergency heart surgery on Tuesday and is expected to have more surgery today. pic.twitter.com/3GOqhlxPYV
— GO ‘CANES! (@83_87_89_91_01) June 1, 2023
Please lift James Lamar up in prayer. Although I was only a Lady Duke for a short time, I always wish him and his family the best.
— Ella Kate Smith “EK” 2026 (@eksoftball2026) May 31, 2023
Just wanted to send up more prayers for coach James Lamar, his family, and his medical team! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Get well soon!
— James Burgess (@coachJBurgess) June 1, 2023
We will continue to have updated reports on Coach Lamar as they are made available and Extra Inning Softball’s staff continues to wish and pray for a full recovery for James.
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball