![]() |
The funeral service for former Perth Heat pitcher Ben Shorto will be held on Thursday.
Shorto, 23, lost a five-year battle with cancer last Wednesday.
The former underage Australian representative was a popular figure in the Heat organisation.
Baseball WA chief executive Lachlan Dale said Shorto would be dearly missed.
"Ben was a promising young baseball player and a friend to everyone in the baseball community," Dale told perthheat.com.au.
"He fought hard on the field and even more so off it.
"It's a tragic loss - our thoughts are with his family."
Shorto signed with the Cleveland Indians as a 16-year-old in 2012 before being diagnosed with leukaemia.
He was able to beat the cancer and make his MiLB debut before being released and returning to Perth.
Shorto made the switch from infielder to pitcher during the 2014/15 season.
He recorded a 3.71 career ERA in the Australian Baseball League.
But in 2016 he was again diagnosed with cancer and last week lost his battle.
Shorto's funeral will be in the West Chapel at Fremantle Cemetery from 11am on Thursday.
ABL Headlines
- SEASON IN REVIEW: Brisbane Bandits
- SEASON IN REVIEW: Perth Heat
- SEASON IN REVIEW: Sydney Blue Sox
- SEASON IN REVIEW: Canberra Cavalry
- SEASON IN REVIEW: Melbourne Aces
- SEASON IN REVIEW: Adelaide Bite
- SEASON IN REVIEW: Auckland Tuatara
- Players' Choice Team of the Year
- SEASON IN REVIEW: Geelong-Korea
- Bandits claim fourth-straight ABL title
MLB Headlines
- Where will remaining FAs sign? Here are some fits
- These are the ramifications if Bryce joins Phillies
- Ichiro arrives to likely final camp in stellar shape
- CC on retiring after 2019: 'It's been a great ride'
- Talented Jimenez drawing comparisons to greats
- Vlad Jr. draws praise upon spring arrival
- Yanks open to extensions for other big players
- How close is Harper to making his choice?
- Giants reportedly adding Maybin to OF mix
- Dawson excited to attend eponymous Classic