The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced the passing of René Cárdenas, the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster in Major League Baseball history, at the age of 96 after a battle with cancer.

Cárdenas broke barriers when he stepped behind the microphone for the Dodgers in 1958, the same year the franchise moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. He spent 21 seasons with the team, helping bridge the gap between the game and a growing Spanish-speaking audience.

"We mourn the passing of René Cárdenas," the Dodgers said in a statement. "He became the first full-time Spanish-language broadcaster in MLB history and spent 21 years behind the mic for Los Angeles. We send our condolences to his loved ones."

Fellow broadcasters Jaime Jarrín and Francisco Romero paid tribute to Cárdenas, calling him a true pioneer. "Rene was a true pioneer in our industry," Jarrín said. "He played a predominant role in my start as a baseball broadcaster." Romero added, "Today, baseball lost a historic voice. René Cárdenas passed away, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in Spanish-language sports broadcasting."

Born in the La Bolsa neighborhood of Managua, Nicaragua, Cárdenas entered sports journalism at just 16 years old. When the Dodgers relocated from Brooklyn to LA, he convinced the team to launch Spanish-language broadcasts to connect with a wider audience. His vision helped shape how baseball is consumed by millions of fans today.

Beyond the Dodgers, Cárdenas also called games for the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. The Astros inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2024. He was a candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011, 2012, 2024, and 2025, though he was not inducted during his lifetime.

For fans who cherish the game's rich history, Cárdenas's voice was more than just commentary—it was a bridge. And for those looking to honor his legacy, wearing Dodgers gear is a fitting way to remember the man who helped bring baseball to millions of Spanish-speaking households.