COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State baseball pitcher Zach Farmer died Tuesday, 15 months after a leukemia diagnosis. He was 21.
“Today is a sad day but also a day of peace for Zach and his family,” Ohio State baseball coach Greg Beals said in a statement. “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.”
Ohio State Athletics mourns loss of Zach Farmer. http://t.co/20Lvpd78b2 pic.twitter.com/VuopfKsKcu
— Ohio State Baseball (@OhioState_BASE) August 4, 2015
Farmer, a former three-time, first-team All-Ohio player at Piketon High School, was diagnosed in late April of 2014, during his freshman year at Ohio State. He was 6-4 with a 3.28 ERA in his 10 appearances with the Buckeyes.
He announced on July 15 that his cancer had returned.
Learned today my cancer has returned. We were very fortunate as we caught the Leukemia in its earliest stages. #Round2
— Zach Farmer (@zfarm34) July 15, 2015
And then he went on living his life, including marrying his girlfriend.
Mr. and Mrs. Farmer!!!! pic.twitter.com/4XKNB3Gq8c
— Zach Farmer (@zfarm34) July 20, 2015
And then he turned 21.
Wow, I turn 21 tomorrow time flies!
— Zach Farmer (@zfarm34) July 27, 2015
Randy Johnson mentioned Farmer during his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a fact that Farner retweeted.
The best moment from Randy Johnson’s speech was his shout-out to @zfarm34 who’s battling leukemia. #RJ51HOF #12Sports pic.twitter.com/tZk0iEtXt6
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) July 26, 2015
“Zach was a remarkable young man who inspired us all,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in statement. “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.”
Farmer’s twitter bio offered a reminder to everyone.
“Life is short and sweet enjoy it!”
The university community rallied around Zach Farmer after his diagnosis. You can still get involved at http://t.co/la9sW4Gizf
— Jeff Svoboda (@JeffSvoboda) August 4, 2015
