Major League Baseball

Ohio State pitcher Zach Farmer dies after battle with leukemia

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:23 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Zach Farmer, who pitched as a freshman for the Ohio State baseball team, passed away Tuesday, the school announced.

Farmer was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2014 and immediately began treatment. He went into remission two months later, but announced last month the disease had returned.

The school says he died Tuesday at The James Cancer Hospital at the university.

"We are saddened by the loss of Zach. Zach was a remarkable young man who inspired us all. He made a tremendous impact on many lives and showed incredible courage in his fight. We send our heartfelt condolences to Zach's family and friends during this difficult time," said athletic director Gene Smith in the statement.

Ohio State's baseball coach Greg Beals also paid tribute with his own statement, saying:

"Today is a sad day but also a day of peace for Zach and his family. We will dearly miss our fellow Buckeye, teammate and friend Zach Farmer. I feel blessed to have had Zach in our program and the opportunity to coach him. Although his time here was cut short, his legacy as a Buckeye will be long lasting. I am proud of the fight he fought -- we learned so much from him. Zach's courage to fight, positive attitude and love for his supporters and teammates defines what it means to be a Buckeye."

"On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, especially Zach's nurse practitioner Jon Mickle. The family is also very thankful for all of the support they have received from The Ohio State University and Buckeye Nation."

Farmer was a two-sport star at his high school in Piketon, Ohio, lettering all four years in both baseball and basketball. He went 6-4 during his brief time with the Buckeyes.

After his leukemia diagnosis, Farmer worked with Be The Match to help raise awareness for the bone marrow registry.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball