PHS graduate, OSU pitcher Zach Farmer passes away
Piketon High School baseball standout and Ohio State pitcher Zach Farmer passed away Tuesday following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
He was 21.
The Chillicothe Gazette’s Derrick Webb reported that Farmer’s high school baseball coach confirmed Farmer’s passing Tuesday morning.
According to The Ohio State University, Farmer, 21, a left-handed pitcher, “was a four-year letter winner and three-time first-team All-Ohio selection at Piketon, along with two-time SVC Player of the Year and four-time first team all-district.
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“Farmer went 10-1 with a 0.52 earned-run average and 162 strikeouts in 81 innings as a senior, hit .475 with three doubles, two triples and two home runs at the plate, led Piketon with a 9-3 record and a 1.39 earned-run average as a junior, lettered four years in basketball and was a two-time honorable mention All-Ohio pick.”
The Ohio State University Athletics released the following statements Tuesday:
“We are saddened by the loss of Zach,” said Gene Smith, Vice President and Director of Athletics. “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.”
“Today is a sad day but also a day of peace for Zach and his family,” said Greg Beals, Ohio State baseball head coach. “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.
“On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, especially Zach’s nurse practitioner Jon Mickle. The family is also very thankful for all of the support they have received from The Ohio State University and Buckeye Nation.”
Farmer had also been selected to play for the Chillicothe Paints in 2014 and had been scheduled as the team’s Opening Day starter last season before his initial leukemia diagnosis, according to the Chillicothe Paints website.
While at Piketon, Farmer also pitched vs. the Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs in the Division III Sectional Finals, along with facing the Mustangs in the sectional round of the 2011-12 basketball tournament.