HUNLOCK'S HEART STILL GOING STRONG (updated 27-March-07)

The Herts Falcons Baseball Club understand that despite Kyle Hunlock passing away in 2006, his heart is still going strong in Ohio, USA. Last year the Herts Falcons Baseball Club lost Kyle Hunlock in a tragic accident in Ohio, USA (see article below). In his honour the club retired his number 36 jersey and in September 2006 staged the first Kyle Hunlock Series between Falcons and Hawks in a best-of-seven series which Falcons won 4-2.

The club has kept in touch with his family in America and they have informed us that Kyle was an organ donor and his heart has been successfully transplanted to Jack Hunt, a 60-years old Ohioan who lives just two hours from Kyle’s home. Jack Hunt has not only recovered successfully after the operation, but has seen a transformation and is leading a very active and energetic life. So much so, that Jack Hunt just completed a 10K mini marathon walk in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 25 March 2007. Coincidentally, we also understand that, shortly before his death, Kyle was making plans to run in a 15K marathon.

In a tribute to Kyle’s gift of life and in support to the American Heart Association and Jack Hunt, Kyle’s family joined Jack in the mini marathon walk.

We understand that this story has attracted a great deal of interest from the US media, including front page coverage in the local newspapers and TV stations. Please find related media links below.

The Herts Falcons Baseball Club send their best wishes and support to Kyle’s family and Jack Hunt.

HERTS FALCON KYLE HUNLOCK PASSES AWAY (17-July-2006, Ohio USA)

With great sorrow the Hertfordshire Falcons Baseball Club announce the passing of Kyle Hunlock, 22. He passed away after sustaining serious injuries in a tragic industrial accident in Ohio, USA.

Kyle joined the Herts Falcons for the start of the 2005 season and played until the end of his studies at the University of Hertfordshire in the summer of 2005, when he returned to his home in Ohio. From the day he joined the club, Kyle became one of us and he will never be forgotten by those who knew him.

Kyle was a fantastic baseball player who played the game with great passion and commitment. In the short period of time which he spent in the United Kingdom with the Falcons he established himself as one of the best players to ever wear the Falcons shirt. A magnificent fielder who could do everything with the glove as well as a true slugger who put fear in the opposing pitchers and fielders every time he stepped to the plate.

During the Herts Falcons league game at the Richmond Flames on 15 July 2006, a minute silence was held in honour of Kyle. The Herts Falcons wish to extend a special thanks to the Richmond Flames who hosted the game and joined the Falcons in remembering Kyle.

Apart from playing for the Falcons, Kyle was also a member of the University of Hertfordshire American Football team, the Hurricanes. On 22 July 2006 the Hurricanes together with the University of Hertfordshire are to hold a memorial service which is to be attended by Kyle's family, the Hurricanes, the Herts Falcons and Kyle's many other friends in the United Kingdom.

Kyle's #36 Falcons jersey has been retired and will be passed on to his family at the service.

Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to Kyle's family.