R.I.P.: MLB Marlins Spanish Voice Felo Ramirez

Felo Ramiez

Rafael “Felo” Ramirez, the beloved Spanish-language radio voice of the Miami Marlins and an icon in Latin American baseball circles, died Monday night in Miami.

He was 94, according to The Miami Herald.

“The entire Marlins organization is deeply saddened by the loss of a great friend, Hall-of-Fame broadcaster and community icon, Felo Ramirez,” the Marlins released in a statement Tuesday morning. “Since our inaugural season, he brought home practically every magical moment in franchise history to generations of fans. A true broadcast legend, Felo lent his voice to over 30 World Series and All-Star Games and his extensive contributions to our game will never be forgotten.”

Ramirez had been hospitalized since he fell and struck his head getting off the team bus in Philadelphia on April 26.

He spent nearly two months in a Delaware hospital before he was transported back to Miami in June where he continued his recovery. But Ramirez, who began his broadcasting career in Cuba calling baseball games and boxing matches back in 1945, eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Calling baseball games was my passion since I was a child,” Ramirez said in 2001 when he accepted the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Ramirez had been the Marlins’ Spanish-language radio voice since 1993, the team’s first season, and a broadcaster for seven decades, including 32 World Series and 40 Caribbean World Series. He called the Marlins’ first five no-hitters and both of its World Series titles in 1997 and 2003.