Statement from TCC Athletics on the death of Ryan Freel

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (December 23, 2012) - Tallahassee Community College baseball alum and former Major League Baseball player Ryan Freel died on Saturday at the age of 36.

Tallahassee Community College's Athletic Department released the following statement on Sunday afternoon:

"Tallahassee Community College and TCC Athletics is deeply saddened by the news of Ryan's passing. We were very proud to call Ryan one of our own and thoroughly enjoyed following his post-TCC career, which included an eight-year stint in the Major Leagues. Ryan was an example of what can be accomplished through perseverance, commitment and dedication. 

Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Ryan's family."

Freel, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., played for Coach Mike McLeod's Eagles in 1995 then embarked on a professional career that spanned 15 years.

Freel made his Major League debut in 2001 with the Toronto Blue Jays then later played with the Cincinnati Reds (2003-08), Baltimore Orioles (2009), Chicago Cubs (2009) and Kansas City Royals (2009).

Freel  was inducted into the Eagle Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.