(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
Longtime ESPN SportsCenter reporter Pedro Gomez passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 7. Gomez, who began with ESPN in 2003, was 58 years old.
“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. He died unexpectedly at home this afternoon.”
“We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away,” said Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content James Pitaro. “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.”
Pedro came to ESPN from the Arizona Republic where he had served as a sports columnist and national baseball writer since 1997.
He was deeply connected throughout Major League baseball having served as the Oakland Athletics beat writer for the Sacramento Bee from 1995-97 and at the San Jose Mercury News from 1990-1994. In between covering the A’s, Gomez served as a national baseball writer for the Miami Herald from 1994-95. Prior to that, he wrote for the San Diego Union, and the Miami News from 1988-90 and 1985-88, respectively.
Gomez was also a frequent guest on KNBR. Hosts Brian Murphy, Larry Krueger and Tom Tolbert reacted to the news on Twitter.
We recently had Pedro Gomez on our @KNBR Show and it was always fun to talk baseball w/him, but he was at his best just talking about his observations of life and people. He had wisdom, compassion and enthusiasm. He always made you feel good, and he had such great perspective.
— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryknbr) February 8, 2021
Beyond stunned — one of the greatest people you want to meet in this business. My profound condolences to Sandy and the family. https://t.co/385BnOKEmw
— Brian Murphy (@knbrmurph) February 8, 2021
Absolute brutal news…. A pro's pro
Always enjoyed the conversations
RIP Pedro https://t.co/3UIevGVDTk— Tom Tolbert (@byronjr23) February 8, 2021