The Buckeyes lost a beloved member of the community on Saturday.
Kyle Brown, who served as a captain of the Ohio State baseball team in 2003, passed away on Saturday at 42 years old. Brown had worked at ESPN for 16 years and was helping the network broadcast a college baseball Super Regional game between Wake Forest and Alabama when he suffered a medical emergency.
NCAA Baseball coverage across ESPN, ESPN2 & ESPNU began at noon today with this tribute to Kyle Brown from @KrisBudden pic.twitter.com/l4B7uuXcJT
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) June 11, 2023
Brown was a fantastic athlete in his hometown of Washington Court House. He played high school basketball in addition to baseball, and also collected several offers to play Division I football. But Brown loved his time on the diamond the most, and committed to the Buckeyes.
His abilities certainly translated to the college level. Brown immediately became a crucial member of Ohio State's pitching staff, posting a 4-0 record in his first year on campus. He matured into one of the program's leaders and was named a captain for his final campaign.
In his youth, Brown had plans to become an orthopedic surgeon, but things changed when an ESPN director that lived nearby showed him around a television truck one day. When Brown got to Columbus, he started working with networks when they came to broadcast his games.
Brown, a winner of two Sports Emmy Awards, was incredibly well-respected by Buckeyes and industry colleagues alike.
We are saddened to learn of Kyles passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his loved ones. https://t.co/2ZjpJXB39y
— Ohio State Baseball (@OhioStateBASE) June 11, 2023
This is unspeakably sad. Kyle Brown was a rock of consistency as a professional and as person. My interactions with him were ALWAYS upbeat, full of positivity, unconditionally supportive, full of laughter, and I left feeling better for having talked to him every time. My deepest, https://t.co/yIJBVPK5zC
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) June 11, 2023
We are all shocked and distraught by the loss of Kyle Brown. Wonderful coworker. just devastating. https://t.co/8xbjiGLngD
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) June 11, 2023
Having the opportunity to work with Kyle a few times was AWESOME and fun! My condolences go out to everyone at ESPN and his family and friends!
— Michael Hogg (@Hoggie4) June 11, 2023
Brown is survived by his wife Megan, their kids Makayla, Carson, Camden, and Madyn, and their dog Rookie.
