SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Today, Wednesday, Aug. 23, marks the fourth anniversary of the passing of Jordan L. Mathews, a young athlete whose life and legacy continues to, and will always, inspire.
Jordan, born on July 31, 1998, touched the hearts of many with his passion for sports, particularly baseball, and his constant upbeat attitude and spirit in the face of chronic asthma.
Jordan’s love for baseball began at the young age of six, and he went on to achieve remarkable success with various baseball teams, winning numerous championships.
Mathews, born and raised in Sylacauga, had a strong foundation in family values.
Growing up with parents Sheila Kidd and Derrick Mathews, and his sister Kiara Kidd, Jordan’s upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of character and determination. Those values always shone brightly to his teammates and coaches.
His formative years were spent at B.B. Comer Memorial High School, where Jordan excelled both academically and athletically. He was a multi-sport athlete, participating in baseball, basketball, and football. Jordan’s talent and dedication on the baseball field earned him plenty of recognition, including a place on the All-County Baseball Team. During his senior year in 2016, he was even voted Homecoming King, reflecting his popularity and positive influence amongst his community.
In June 2019, Matthews’s hard work paid off as he earned himself the opportunity to try out for the Rome Braves minor league team.
Throughout all of this, many wouldn’t have even noticed that Jordan was battling a health condition all along, because he really wasn’t the type to moan or complain.
Despite battling chronic asthma, Jordan’s resilience was evident in his participation at Camp WheezeAway, which equipped him with valuable tools to navigate life with the condition.
His determination to pursue his athletic dreams and make a difference was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Tragically, on the morning of Aug. 23, 2019, Jordan lost his life to an acute asthma attack. Yet, his legacy endures through organ donation.
Mathews, persisting as the ultimate teammate, saved up to eight lives and earned a place on the Wall of Heroes at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
In honor of Jordan’s memory, his Tougaloo College baseball teammates affectionately dubbed him “Forever 24. The college retired his jersey, and the players wear the number 24 on their hats and cleats, and even incorporated Jordan’s own designs into their team cleats.
Mathews had a passion for fashion which all of his friends and teammates knew about, and they knew it was another way to continue honoring his memory.
To further celebrate his memory, the Forever 24 Jordan L. Mathews Memorial Foundation was established. The foundation aims to uplift the community by offering educational scholarships, supporting asthma camps, sponsoring baseball clubs, and dedicating a day to grieving parents and siblings.
Additionally, RadioAlabama will soon launch a new promotion named after Jordan for an Athlete of the Month.
Those desiring to volunteer with the Foundation can help with race day parking at the Yellawood 500 on the first weekend of October.
Jordan L. Mathews had an indomitable spirit, a love for life and the people around him, and a passion for baseball that continues to inspire those who knew him and those who know of his remarkable journey.
“I miss my mentor and my friend,” said former teammate Chase Shiflett. “He never once gave up on me. I will never compare to his talent or skill but he sure did try to push me and train me to be better in baseball and in life.”
As we remember Jordan on this anniversary, his legacy reminds us to never give up, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to live each day to the fullest.
To learn more about the Forever 24 Jordan L. Mathews Memorial Foundation, click here.
