The two-time All-Star and World Series champion is mourning the death of his daughter Jordan, who had been battling a rare chromosome disease since birth.
- Mar 2, 2020
AceShowbiz - Retired professional baseball player John Olerud is grieving the death of his daughter Jordan. The former Toronto Blue Jays player's daughter died at 19 years old after battling a rare chromosome disease since birth.
Jordan's death was confirmed on Sunday, March 1 by Jay Horwitz, vice president of alumni public relations for the New York Mets, the team which John played for from 1997-1999. "So sad to hear about the passing of Jordan Olerud. To honor John, Kelly and Jordan you can contribute at JordanFund.org. Services for Jordan will be this Saturday," Jay tweeted.
He also posted a statement which read, "Please keep John and Kelly Olerud in your thoughts. The Oleruds' 19-year-old daughter, Jordan, passed away. She was born with a rare chromosome disease. John and Kelly have devoted their lives to working with children with special needs."
Toronto Blue Jays also posted on its official Twitter page, "Our hearts go out to John and Kelly Olerud on the passing of their daughter Jordan. They are in our thoughts at this difficult time. If you would like to make a donation, please go to https://JordanFund.org ."
New York Yankees added, "The New York Yankees send their deepest condolences to John Olerud and his family following the passing of his daughter Jordan," while Mets Rewind posted, "Sad news to report: Jordan Olerud, daughter of @Mets 1B John Olerud, passed away today. She was 19. You can support the Olerud family here: https://www.jordanfund.org ."
Condolences have also poured in from MLB fans. "Omg. That's so terrible. Mets family praying for Olerud family.bim so sorry," one wrote. Another expressed sympathy as saying, "the strength one must need to be the parent of a kid who has special needs, I can't imagine."
"Thoughts and prayers with their family and friends," read another tweet. "Heart goes out to John Olerud and his wife. You can donate to support kids with special needs here: https://jordanfund.org," someone else wrote, while one other added, "Heartfelt condolences to former #BlueJays John Olerud and his family."
Jordan was born in August 2000 with a unique chromosome syndrome called tri-some 2p, 5p-, which means she had an extra second chromosome and was missing part of her fifth chromosome. In 2003, John and his wife founded The Jordan Fund to aid family and special needs children, providing grants to those who can't cover medical costs related to children diagnosed with the rare disease or related ailments.
The 51-year-old once praised his daughter's spirit. "I'm constantly amazed at her disposition," he told the Boston Globe in 2005 before his retirement. "She's uncomfortable, she's having a hard time... but yet, she's got a smile for you. I'm really blessed to have a child like her."
John and his wife also have a son together.
