# Cuban-origin sports journalist Pedro Gómez dies

**Date:** 02/09/2021

Cuban-origin reporter Pedro Gómez, from the ESPN television network, died suddenly on Sunday at the age of 58.

Gómez, who was based in Phoenix, covered baseball for SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight and other ESPN studio programs, live events and radio. During his 35-year career, he covered more than 25 World Series and more than 20 All-Star Games.

"We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gómez has passed away," said Jimmy Pitaro, president of ESPN and sports content. "Pedro was an elite journalist at the highest level and his professional achievements are recognized worldwide."

Pitaro highlighted that Gómez's stature was not only due to his professional caliber, but also his human value.

"More importantly, Pedro was a kind and beloved friend to all of us. Our hearts are with Pedro's family and with all those who love him at this extraordinarily difficult time," Pitaro added.

Gómez is survived by his wife, Sandra, his sons Rio and Dante, and his daughter Sierra.

"Pedro was much more than a media personality," his family said in a statement. "He was a father, a loving husband, a loyal friend, coach and mentor. He was our everything and the greatest believer in his children."

Born to Cuban parents who arrived in Miami just before he was born, Gómez was part of the network's historic coverage in 2016 when the Tampa Bay Rays faced Team Cuba in Havana.

On that trip he returned the ashes of his father and brother to the family home. He also covered a U.S. men's national soccer team game in Havana in 2008 for ESPN, and an exhibition game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Cuban national team in 1999.

Additionally, he was a vital part of covering Barry Bonds' career from 2005 to 2007, including coverage of Bonds' milestone in breaking Henry Aaron's home run record in 2007.

Before joining ESPN, Gómez wrote for Miami News, San Diego Union, San Jose Mercury News, Miami Herald and Sacramento Bee, specializing in baseball coverage. He then became a columnist and national baseball writer for Arizona Republic in 1997.

Among the teams he covered were the Oakland Athletics during the Rickey Henderson era, Cuban José Canseco and Mark McGwire, among others.

Gómez, born in Miami, was raised in that city and attended Miami-Dade Community College and the University of Miami. He received several awards for his brilliant professional work.