Josiah Viera touched many lives in a short time.

Born with Progeria, an extremely rare condition that causes rapid aging, Josiah became an inspiration to countless people. A passionate baseball fan, Josiah served as an honorary coach for the State College Spikes, a minor league team.

Monday afternoon, Josiah’s family shared the news on social media that he had passed away. He was 14, WJAC-TV reported.

“Josiah left to play baseball with Jesus today,” the family’s message on Twitter said. “Our hearts are broken.”

Josiah grew up in rural Hegins in Schuylkill County. He would eventually touch people far beyond central Pennsylvania. He was profiled in an episode of E:60 on ESPN.

Penn State football coach James Franklin met and befriended Josiah. The youth appeared at Penn State and greeted fans before the Nittany Lions played Pittsburgh in 2017. Josiah spent time with the coach and the players.

Monday night, Franklin remembered Josiah.

“Going to miss my friend. Thankful for the time I was able to spend with him,” Franklin wrote.

Going to miss my friend. Thankful for the time I was able to spend with him. Our thoughts are with his grandfather, family, friends & our hearts are with Josiah! pic.twitter.com/9RsP8rLAIm — James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) December 25, 2018

Progeria, a condition which triggers accelerated aging and a host of physical challenges, is beyond uncommon. About one in 20 million people are born with progeria, according to the Progeria Research Foundation.

Children with Progeria typically don’t grow; Josiah stood about 27 inches tall. Typically, those with progeria only live until the age of 14 before they succumb to heart failure, according to the foundation.

When he was younger, Josiah played Little League baseball. When playing became too challenging, he found another way to be part of the game he loves as an honorary bench coach for the State College Spikes, the A-level club in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Josiah struck friendships with members of the Cardinals.

In 2014, the Cardinals invited Josiah and his family to a game in St. Louis. Josiah met perennial All-Star Matt Holliday and other members of the team.

Mitch Harris, who pitched for the Cardinals in 2015, said in a post on Instagram that Josiah is “one of the most inspiring young men I’ve ever met.”

The Patriot-News profiled Josiah and his family in 2009. Even then, Josiah battled a number of health issues. But he also had bright eyes and a charming smile.

As his great-grandmother, Joyce Long, said in that 2009 story, “He is an awesome little kid."