Baseball, like a coin, has two sides. Over a century, the game has given us countless moments to cherish and enjoy. However, it can also be a cruel sport at times. Bellarmine University is grieving the sudden loss of a former student-athlete and a May 2023 graduate, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday.

Ashton Smith, a catcher on the Bellarmine Knights, passed on July 24th, 2023, aged 23. With the announcement coming up later, colleagues, fellow players from his program, and relatives all took a moment to acknowledge what had happened with the player.

Ashton Smith – A Prospect Lost Too Soon

Due to his unexpected passing, both baseball fans and his team’s coach and teammates have expressed their sentiments.

Bellarmine Knights coach Chris Dominguez said, “I will always remember that smile and his infectious personality. He had a way with people and loved the game. It was my pleasure to have coached you, Ash,“ added Dominguez.

Testament to that is his teammate Colin Bertsch’s account of the player in his memory. Said Bertsch, ” He always put everyone else before himself. I’m devastated and heartbroken for his family and all his friends. There’s a lot more to be said about who Ashton is and the impact he’s made on every person who has met him.”

Smith was poised to be one of Bellarmine’s most interesting prospects. Based out of Du Quoin, Illinois, the prospect turned out for the Kentucky University in the past two seasons. While the reasons for his death remain unknown, the catcher leaves several happy memories from playing on the Knights.

With 24 appearances in the team last year, Smith notched 25 hits with a 0.309 batting average. He even boasted 7 doubles and 16 runs scored to go with it.

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With several college players making it big and getting noticed only in their senior year, the young gun’s story will only remain a what if.

Fraternity Bids Farewell To Ashton Smith With a Heavy Heart

Baseball is a sport that brings us all together. And when a loss occurs, the fraternity comes together. Similarly, the fans that knew of the hitter were quick to mark their sadness at the loss.

A fan wrote, “A smile that always lit up the clubhouse. Rest easy kid.”

“Very sad day. Prayers and condolences from the Sorg family,” wrote the other fan.

A prospect lost too soon for whom a professional career will forever remain incomplete. But as is with much of life, the time comes when the show has to go on.

Lost but not forgotten, Smith serves as a memory of what a career meant for greatness can feel like.

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