Former Blue Jays standout Tony Fernandez died on Saturday at the age of 57 due to complications from kidney disease.
Fernandez, who was a five-time All-Star, dealt with complications from polycystic kidney disease earlier in February and was hospitalized in critical condition.
Hector Gomez of Z 101 in the Dominican Republic reported that Fernandez suffered a brain hemorrhage and died of complications related to kidney disease on Saturday
Former MLB player Tony Fernandez has died. He suffered a brain stroke and Kidney complications.
Fernandez was selected to 5 All Star Games, won 4 Gold Glove and a World Series with Toronto Blue Jays (1993).
Rest in peace. @z101digital @ZDeportes pic.twitter.com/JtpVSLiOAv
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) February 16, 2020
El Nuevo Diario in the Dominican Republic earlier reported that Fernandez had a brain hemorrhage and that doctors were awaiting the family’s decision about keeping Fernandez on life support.
The tributes started to come in for Fernandez after Gomez’s report spread.
I’m so sorry to hear about Tony Fernandez passing. A great teammate and friend. A pitchers dream to have him at shortstop when your pitching. One of the best ever. R.I.P. my friend.
— david wells (@BoomerWells33) February 16, 2020
My heart is so heavy at the loss of former teammate, friend, and Champion Tony Fernandez. My prayers go out to his wife and their entire family. I will never forget this man. He influenced my life in a positive way. He made everyone around him better. RIP my brother. pic.twitter.com/lMZpgYqKed
— Todd Stottlemyre (@ToddStottlemyre) February 16, 2020
Rest In Peace to Blue Jays Legend Tony Fernandez. Always such a professional and loved watching you play! pic.twitter.com/gFyFgzY76V
— Doug Gilmour (@DougGilmour93) February 16, 2020
BLUE JAYS: Tony Fernandez was one of my true childhood heroes growing up in Toronto. A sad day in the baseball community having lost someone so respected both on and off the field. RIP Tony. pic.twitter.com/0dBq1diNyb
— Rob Fai (@RobFai) February 16, 2020
Fernandez played 17 seasons in MLB and had stints with seven teams. The former four-time Gold Glove shortstop played 12 seasons with the Blue Jays and won the 1993 World Series with the team. He is the franchise’s leader in WAR among position players.
