Longtime baseball writer, Arizona resident Pedro Gomez dies at 58

Longtime baseball writer Pedro Gomez died unexpectedly at his home in Arizona on Sunday, his family said in a statement.

No cause of death was given. He was 58.

He joined ESPN in 2003 and covered more than 25 World Series in his tenure.

Gomez was also a Baseball Hall of Fame voter and a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Originally from Miami after his parents fled Cuba in 1962, Gomez called the Valley home since 1997 and his son went to the University of Arizona.

“I’m forever grateful for his friendship,” ESPN’s Jorge Sedano said. “He was a trailblazing journalist.

“He opened the door for Latinos in sports TV. I can’t even explain how sad I am right now.”

The news of his death brought a lot of condolences from local sports figures and teams across social media:

I'm completely gutted to hear this news. One of the best men I have been around. Always made the place better when he was around. This hurts 💔 https://t.co/Ww7pjejQMJ

— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) February 8, 2021

We’ll never forget you, Pedro. ❤️ https://t.co/jHvO8gKcCv

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) February 8, 2021

My heart is heavy tonight to hear about the loss of my good friend, Pedro Gomez. Pedro was an amazing man that was respected in every locker room he ever walked into. He will be greatly missed in the baseball and sports community. My family and I send our thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/UWQ4r8kPyY

— Luis Gonzalez (@Luisgonzo20) February 8, 2021

I am in total shock of the news that Pedro Gomez has passed away. He was such a great genuine person and a good friend who I admired and respected. We lived about 3 minutes away from each other and even broke break at my house. Awful. Heartbreaking News. I am so sad.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 8, 2021

Michael Bidwill on the passing of Pedro Gomez: pic.twitter.com/AAbFpf0Lq6

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) February 8, 2021

Our thoughts are with Rio and his entire family over the tragic passing of his father, Pedro Gomez. Pedro was a great man, a proud father, and a true professional. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Y2W0sCOG8o

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) February 8, 2021

I am so sad over the news of the passing of my longtime friend Pedro Gomez of @espn who exemplified class and dignity at all times. He was a pro and our sport will miss him dearly. RIP good man.

— Derrick Hall (@DHallDbacks) February 8, 2021

There are only a few words that I can summon tonight. Respect. Admiration. Love. I already miss the laugh, the smile, and the depth of conversation. The best reporter but a better man. Godspeed, Pedro Gomez.

— Todd Walsh (@ToddWalsh) February 8, 2021

I grew up reading Pedro Gomez in the @azcsports page. His son went to UofA, so to Pedro I was: “ScumDevil Matteo.” Such a kind man who had so much pride in his Cuban heritage. Heartbreaking.

— Matt Barrie (@MattBarrie) February 8, 2021

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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