Sports fans around the region are sending prayers for Marty Prather, also known as "The Sign Man," after word of his hospitalization spread.

Barry Hinson, former men's basketball coach at Missouri State and Southern Illinois Carbondale, posted a video Wednesday with the news.

"He's on a ventilator right now, fighting for his life," said Hinson, now an associate athletics director at Oklahoma State University.

Hinson suggested fans make a sign in support of Prather, known for decades for his witty signs at Cardinals, Blues and Missouri State University games.

"Marty was unbelievable in every community that he's ever been a part of," Hinson said. "He's always been a part of every charity, every sport, every academic institution. He's fought his ass off for all of us. Now it's time for

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