JONESBORO, Ark. (03/24/09) ? The Arkansas State University family joins the family of George Kell in mourning the passing of the former Northeast Arkansas baseball legend.  A native of Swifton, Ark., Kell was considered one of the greatest third basemen ever to play the game and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983. 

Kell was an active supporter of Arkansas State baseball for many years.  Tomlinson Stadium and Kell Field, the home of ASU Baseball, bears the name of the former third baseman who won the American League batting title in 1949.

Kell was a long-time supporter of ASU Athletics and was inducted into the ASU Athletic Department Hall of Honor in 1999.  He was honored by the ASU baseball program and the ASU Home Run Club at the 2008 Grand Slam Banquet.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Kell,” said ASU Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee.  “He left a tremendous impact not only on Arkansas State University, but on the entire nation with his accomplishments both on and off the baseball field.  His loyalty to the ASU family will always be remembered by the fans that enter our stadium which bears his name.”

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Swifton United Methodist Church.