MLB Writers and Players Mourn Death of Ed Farmer
Ed Farmer, who grew up a White Sox fan on the South Side of Chicago, played for the White Sox as a pitcher, and ultimately became their play-by-play man on radio, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 70. Farmer battled kidney disease most of his life and the White Sox said he died from complications from a previous illness.
We mourn the death of Ed Farmer who passed away Wednesday night.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 2, 2020
Farmer worked as a radio broadcaster for the Chicago White Sox for nearly 30 years, played 11 seasons in the major leagues, including three with his hometown White Sox, and was a strong advocate for organ donation. pic.twitter.com/wx7itjfEYk
An 11-year MLB veteran who made the AL All-Star team in 1980, Farmer transitioned to radio in 1992, starting as an analyst and becoming the play-by-play man for the White Sox in 2006.
Support and appreciation poured in from around the MLB after the news was shared.
Darrin Jackson, Farmer's long-time broadcast partner, shared the following message on the passing.
I was waiting to hear what Darrin Jackson had to say. The White Sox just sent it out. pic.twitter.com/e3CO5iomtj
— Jim Margalus (@SoxMachine) April 2, 2020
Many other national and local reporters and players likewise showed their support.
RIP Ed. One of the funniest people in the game, and one of my all-time favorites. https://t.co/yQpM7x5Zm4
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 2, 2020
Ed Farmer was incredibly funny, deeply knowledgeable, and intense in his love of baseball. Loved talking with him. What awful news.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 2, 2020
Ed Farmer will be remembered as a legend in Chicago and throughout the @MLB family. Beloved in South Bend, too. An ambassador for the game and city he loved. He’s one of the all-time greats. My condolences are with his family and the @whitesox organization. @NotreDame ? https://t.co/04bkIbQa2X
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 2, 2020
This is sad to hear. He always had a story and an audience https://t.co/gB4qEeGzti
— Dan Jennings (@LtDanJennings) April 2, 2020
We are in the story telling business & Ed Farmer was always telling stories. At WMAQ Radio in the early 90's, we would sit in a studio and talk life, his health, baseball, and ND football. He always had time for me. Condolences to the Farmer family. RIP @whitesox @WBBMNewsradio https://t.co/avPbPz6VuL
— Jeff Joniak (@JeffJoniak) April 2, 2020
Devastated by the death of Ed Farmer. A dear friend, teammate, and one of the good guys. A great loss for White Sox fans, DJ, and the multitude of people who were lucky to know him.Gone but never forgotten. #RIP @masnOrioles @whitesox
— Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) April 2, 2020
Rest In Peace Farmeo. What a wonderful man with such an amazing life. I’ll always remember our conversations on the team flights and the fascinating stories he would share with me. He will be very missed ?? https://t.co/cx5wGRl7Zi
— Lucas Giolito (@LGio27) April 2, 2020
A true legend who embodied the South Side of Chicago, Farmer will always be remembered by those who love the game.