Longtime ESPN MLB reporter Pedro Gomez dies unexpectedly at 58

Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Longtime ESPN baseball reporter Pedro Gomez has died at the age of 58, the network said.

ESPN announced Gomez's death late Sunday, saying he died unexpectedly that afternoon at his home in Phoenix.

"Pedro was far more than a media personality," the Gomez family said in a statement. "He was a dad, loving husband, loyal friend, coach and mentor.

"He was our everything and his kids' biggest believer."

Gomez started his journalism career in 1985 with the Miami News and later reported for what's now the San Diego Union-Tribune as well as the San Jose Mercury News, Sacramento Bee, Miami Herald and Arizona Republic.

Gomez joined ESPN in 2003 and appeared on SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight and other programs on the network. He covered 25 World Series and 22 Major League Baseball All-Star games.

"We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away," ESPN Chairman James 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."

A cause of death was not immediately reported.

Many sports reporters and MLB teams honored Gomez on Sunday.

"[We] are stunned and saddened to hear about the passing of Pedro Gomez," the Los Angeles Dodgers tweeted. "We are thinking of his family, friends and colleagues and offer our condolences during this difficult time."

Gomez is survived by his wife Sandra, sons Rio and Dante and daughter Sierra. Rio is a pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization.