Ohio State pitcher Zach Farmer dies after battle with leukemia

Ohio State pitcher Zach Farmer has tragically lost his battle with leukemia, the Chillicothe Gazette first reported. The Buckeye hurler from Piketon was previously in remission and had expected to rejoin the Buckeyes, but his cancer returned. He was 21.

A former high school All-American, Farmer appeared in ten games as a freshman for Ohio State in the spring of 2014 before his diagnosis. Acting primarily as the midweek starter, the lefty posted a 6-4 record and showed glimpses of why professional scouts considered him a solid prospect.

“Today is a sad day but also a day of peace for Zach and his family,” said Greg Beals, Ohio State baseball head coach, 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.”

Farmer's positive attitude throughout the process was a rallying point for the Buckeyes baseball program. This past April, prior to a game with Morehead State, Farmer threw out the first pitch on Be The Match Night. Fans were able to sign up to be registered as marrow donors at the front gates of Bill Davis Stadium.

You can sign up yourself to help others like Zach at bethematch.org.