Caleb Martin Reed, the former Mississippi State baseball pitcher and All‑SEC closer, passed away at age 35 on July 2, 2025.
In late May 2025, Caleb was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia (lymphoma).
Reed was receiving treatment at UAB Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, in the intensive care unit.
He and his wife, Robin, stayed there for over four weeks during his initial phase of care.
To help ease the financial strain of medical costs, travel, and childcare for their three young children, Caleb’s close friends and RXSportFit gym owners launched a GoFundMe campaign, “Caleb Reed’s Cancer Fight.”
Additionally, a Custom Ink fundraiser called Team Caleb Reed sold shirts to raise additional funds, with all proceeds going directly to Robin Reed for medical costs
While the doctor previously expressed confidence that his leukemia could be cured, he passed away while undergoing treatment at UAB Medical Center.
Caleb Reed Transitioned Into The Finance Profession After Retiring From Collegiate Baseball!
Born on April 24, 1990, in Greenville, Miss, to parents Teresa and Bob Reed, Caleb Reed was a standout relief pitcher for Mississippi State University from 2009 to 2012.
A native of Cleveland, Mississippi, and a graduate of Bayou Academy, he earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2011.
He helped lead MSU to a Super Regional appearance and the 2012 SEC Tournament Championship.
Over his collegiate career, he recorded 21 saves, 177 strikeouts, and a 4.22 ERA across 207 innings, ranking among the top closers in program history.
Off the field, Caleb was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree and a member of the SEC Community Service Team, recognized for his volunteer work in Starkville schools and food drives.
In 2012, he retired from competitive baseball after his collegiate career at Mississippi State University.
He later transitioned into the finance profession, where he worked until his cancer diagnosis in 2025.
Additionally, he was deeply involved in his local gym community at RXSportFit in Daphne, Alabama.
The Whole World Is Mourning The Loss Of Caleb Reed, Despite Every Effort To Overcome The Battle!
His tragic passing on July 2, 2025, at age 35, has left a profound void in the Mississippi State community and beyond.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, coaches, sportswriters, and fans. The official Mississippi State Baseball account posted a heartfelt statement, saying:
We’re saddened by the passing of former All-SEC reliever Caleb Reed. Caleb was an integral part of our 2011 Super Regional squad and the 2012 SEC Tournament Championship team. Our condolences to his family, friends and teammates.
We're saddened by the passing of former All-SEC reliever Caleb Reed. Caleb was an integral part of our 2011 Super Regional squad and the 2012 SEC Tournament Championship team.
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) July 2, 2025
Our condolences to his family, friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/cvmzOt4Thi
Likewise, in an emotional tribute, a former Cleveland, MS, sports reporter reflected on Reed’s character:
He was the type of kid everyone wanted to be friends with and the type of kid parents want their kids to be.
Caleb is survived by his wife, Robin Johns Reed, and their three young children.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Caleb Reed’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Caleb Reed was a brother of former Mississippi College outfielder Will Reed and a nephew of Tommy Shook, a former MSU pole vaulter.
- He earned Player of the Year honors in 2005, 2007, and 2008.
