Ben Jordan, a University of Kentucky baseball player who also progressed to the basketball team, passed away on Monday at the age of 22, the school announced.
No cause of death was given.
The 6-foot-9, 250-pound redshirt junior was a right-handed pitcher for the Wildcats and joined the powerful basketball program last season when it faced a player shortage.
“Our hearts are broken today,” Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari said in a statement released by the school on Tuesday. “It’s hard for me to express and put into words what a tragedy it is to lose a young person too soon. Ben influenced our team in so many ways last season with his kind heart, big smile and great personality. He cared so much about this place and it meant so much to him to be part of this team. “
Jordan appeared in two basketball games last season and, through his field work, was credited with helping Nick Richards develop into a first-team All-Southeastern Conference roster and second-round pick of the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Jordan chose not to play basketball this season so he could focus on baseball, according to ESPN.
The resident of Olive Hill, Kentucky, didn’t pitch last spring because he was still on the basketball team when the baseball season was cut short due to the pandemic.
In 2019, Jordan played in 8² / ₃ innings in 10 games. He had a 7.27 ERA and eight strikeouts.
He refreshed his freshman season as he recovered from Tommy John’s surgery.
“There are no words to express the shock and heartbreak our team feels after the loss of Ben,” said baseball head coach Nick Mingione. “He was an absolute joy to coach and to be around. His coaches, teammates and brothers loved him dearly. His smile, sense of humor and love for this university will never be forgotten. “