Ben Jordan, a baseball player at the University of Kentucky who also joined the basketball team, died on Monday at age 22, the school announced.
No cause of death was provided.
The 1.80m, 250 pound junior redshirt was a right-handed pitcher for the Wildcats and joined the powerful basketball program last season when he faced a shortage of players.
“Our hearts are broken today,” said Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari in a statement issued by the school. “It is difficult for me to express and put into words the tragedy of losing a young person so soon. Ben impacted our team last season in many ways with his kind heart, big smile and wonderful personality. He cared deeply about this place and it meant a lot to him to be part of this team. “
Jordan appeared in two basketball games last season and was credited, through his work in practice, for helping Nick Richards develop into a first-team selection at the All-Southeastern Conference and the second round of the Charlotte Hornets in Draft 2020 of the NBA.
Jordan chose not to play basketball this season so he could concentrate on baseball, according to ESPN.
The Olive Hill, Kentucky, native did not launch last spring because he was still with the basketball team when the baseball season was interrupted due to the pandemic.
In 2019, Jordan appeared in 8 ² / ₃ innings in 10 games. He had an ERA of 7.27 and eight eliminations.
He changed his freshman season while recovering from Tommy John’s surgery.
“There are no words to express the shock and headache that our team is feeling at the loss of Ben,” said baseball coach Nick Mingione. “It was an absolute joy to train and be around. His coaches, teammates and brothers loved him very much. Your smile, your sense of humor and love for this university will never be forgotten. “