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Dodgers announce death of original Spanish-language broadcaster, Hall of Famer
TL;DR
René Cárdenas, the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster in MLB history with the Los Angeles Dodgers, passed away on May 10 at the age of 96. He was a significant figure in baseball broadcasting for over two decades.
Key points
- René Cárdenas died on May 10 at the age of 96
- He was the first full-time Spanish broadcaster in MLB history
- Cárdenas spent 21 years broadcasting for the Dodgers
- He also served as the first Spanish broadcaster for the Astros
- His work significantly impacted the Hispanic community in baseball
Mentioned in this story
René Cárdenas
Los Angeles DodgersHouston Astros
René Cárdenas, who became the first full-time Spanish broadcaster in baseball history with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958, died May 10. He was 96.
“We mourn the passing of René Cárdenas, who in 1958 with the Dodgers became the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster in MLB history and would ultimately spend 21 years behind the mic for Los Angeles,” the team announced on X. “We send our condolences to his loved ones.”
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“With yesterday’s passing of Rene Cardenas, we lost a true legend and pioneer in broadcasting,” the Houston Astros announced May 11 on X. “As the franchise’s first Spanish broadcaster, Rene had a tremendous impact on the success of the Colt .45s/Astros in Houston’s large Hispanic community and beyond. We send our heartfelt condolences to Rene’s family and loved ones.”
Cárdenas’ work with the Dodgers, Astros and Texas Rangers helped MLB reach generations of Latino listeners. He was inducted into the Nicaragua Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Astros Hall of Fame in 2024.
MORE: Three-time MLB All-Star, World Series champion, dies
Cárdenas was born February 6, 1930, in Managua, Nicaragua. As a teenager, he wrote about baseball for Nicaraguan newspapers and called games on Radio Mundial before moving to the United States.
When the Dodgers relocated from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958, Cárdenas helped establish Spanish broadcasts on KWKW-AM. They became a permanent part of the team’s media landscape as Cárdenas mentored future Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, who joined the Dodgers’ Spanish-language crew in 1959.
Q&A
Who was René Cárdenas and what was his contribution to baseball?
René Cárdenas was the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster in MLB history, starting with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958, and he contributed significantly to the sport for 21 years.
What teams did René Cárdenas broadcast for during his career?
René Cárdenas broadcasted for the Los Angeles Dodgers and was also the first Spanish broadcaster for the Houston Colt .45s/Astros.
What was the impact of René Cárdenas on the Hispanic community in baseball?
René Cárdenas had a tremendous impact on the success of the Astros in Houston's large Hispanic community, helping to bridge the gap between the sport and Spanish-speaking fans.
