On a day when football was in the national spotlight, longtime ESPN baseball reporter Pedro Gomez passed away unexpectedly at the age of 58, the network reported.
A member of the Baseball Writers Association of America as well as a voting member for the Baseball Hall of Fame, Gomez was probably best known for his coverage of Barry Bonds while the San Francisco slugger was in pursuit of the MLB home-run record at the height of baseball’s steroid controversy.
An ESPN reporter since 2003, Gomez grew up in Miami after his parents fled Cuba for the United States in 1962. He attended the University of Miami and majored in journalism.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “Pedro was an elite journalist at the highest level and his professional accomplishments are universally recognized. More importantly, Pedro was a kind, dear friend to us all. Our hearts are with Pedro’s family and all who love him at this extraordinarily difficult time.”
Gomez is survived by his wife Sandra, his daughter Sierra and his sons Rio and Dante, according to the network.
“Pedro was far more than a media personality. He was a Dad, loving husband, loyal friend, coach and mentor,” the Gomez family said in a statement. “He was our everything and his kids’ biggest believer.”
No cause of death was given for Gomez’s passing.
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