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Kentucky baseball, basketball player Ben Jordan dies at 22

Multiple sources are reporting that Kentucky baseball player Ben Jordan has died at the age of 22.

Multiple sources are reporting that baseball player has died at the age of 22.

Details of his passing are not complete.  You can read his obituary here.

Jordan played basketball for the Wildcats during the 2019–2020 season appearing in two games.

As a freshman at in 2019, the 6-foot-9 West Carter product appeared in ten games for the baseball Wildcats pitching 8.2 innings and pitched a scoreless inning against nationally-ranked Vanderbilt to close out the 2019 season.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Olive Hill Memorial Park with Bro. Terrell Webb and Bro. Steve Madden officiating.

Friends may visit after 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2021, and after 8:00 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West Highway US 60 at Olive Hill.

Statements From Nick Mingione, John Calipari and Mitch Barnhart on Death of Ben Jordan 

Nick Mingione, University of Kentucky Head Baseball Coach

“We are devastated to learn of Ben Jordan’s tragic passing last night. There are no words to express the shock and heartache our team is feeling with the loss of Ben. He was an absolute joy to coach and be around. His coaches, teammates and brothers loved him dearly. His smile, his sense of humor and love for this university will never be forgotten. He will be missed beyond measure. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s family and we will support them in any way we can during this extremely difficult time. We are all hurting and will find a way carry Ben’s legacy forward and keep him in our heart always.”

John Calipari, University of Kentucky Head Basketball Coach

“Our hearts are broken today. We learned early this morning that we have lost Ben Jordan. It is difficult for me to express and to put into words what a tragedy it is to lose a young person too early. Ben impacted our team last season in so many ways with his kind heart, his big smile and his wonderful personality. He cared so deeply about this place and it meant so much to him to be a part of this team. We are grieving today over the loss of a teammate and a brother, but Ben will not be forgotten. We ask that everyone keep Ben and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this time as we try to find a way forward. Ben, may you rest in peace.”

Mitch Barnhart, University of Kentucky Director of Athletics

“It is with profound grief that we learn of the loss of Ben Jordan. Ben loved and cherished being a Wildcat.  He had a servant’s heart and answered the call whenever asked, including putting his promising baseball career on hold to help the basketball team when it needed him.  I remember meeting Ben on his official visit to our campus and being so impressed with his passion for this state and the University of Kentucky. He will be missed immensely.  Our prayers and condolences are with Ben’s family and friends.”

Walter Cornett, of Glendale, Kentucky, is the owner and operator of Walter’s Wildcat World. He founded WildcatWorld.com in 1998 making it one of the oldest Kentucky basketball fan sites in operation today.

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On This Day in UK Basketball History

On March 23, 1948, Adolph Rupp’s “Fabulous Five” wins UK’s first NCAA Championship, 58-42, over Baylor. The team is met in Lexington by 15,000 fans and given a parade on a fire truck.

 

On March 23, 2009, Patrick Patterson joined the 1,000-point club.  He did it in 58 games.

 

On March 23, 2014, Wichita State was 35-0, ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, and a legitimate threat to win the NCAA championship. Kentucky was 25-10.  In the NCAA Midwest Region third round and before 19,676 at the ScottradeCenter in St. Louis, freshmen Andrew Harrison (20 points), Aaron Harrison (19), Julius Randle (13 and 10 rebounds) and James Young (13, the go-ahead trey inside the 1:30 mark) shocked the Shockers, 78-76.

 

Wildcats Born on This Date

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