Zach Farmer, Ohio State Pitcher, Dies at 21

The Ohio State athletics department announced that Buckeyes baseball player Zach Farmer died Tuesday from leukemia. The pitcher was 21.  

Ohio State confirmed the news on its official athletics site. Vice president and director of athletics Gene Smith talked about the impact Farmer made while fighting cancer.

"We are saddened by the loss of Zach," Smith said. "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."

Head baseball coach Greg Beals said the impression Farmer made won't be forgotten, per the school's official site:

"

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.

"

The report notes Farmer originally was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in April 2014. He went into remission two months later.

Unfortunately, the disease returned last month. Even though it eventually took his life, he worked throughout his fight to help raise awareness for the Be The Match bone marrow registry.

Several members of the Buckeyes sports community expressed condolences on social media, including baseball teammate Pat Porter:

Football wide receiver Mike Thomas also sent along well wishes:

Farmer last pitched for the Buckeyes in 2014. He appeared in 10 games, nine of those being starts, and he went 6-4 with a 3.28 ERA. He also struck out 34 batters in 49.1 innings and held opposing hitters to a .234 batting average.

The comments from Smith and Beals illustrate his lasting impact at Ohio State and the surrounding community goes far beyond the baseball field, though.