Felo Ramirez, Hall of Fame Spanish-Language Broadcaster for Miami Marlins, Dies at 94

Yiky Quintana’s longtime radio partner suffered a head injury while stepping off Major League Baseball team’s bus in April

Felo Ramirez
Miami Marlins broadcaster Rafael 'Felo' Ramirez

Rafeal “Felo” Ramirez, the Hall of Fame Spanish-language radio broadcaster for Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, has died. He was 94.

“The entire Marlins organization is deeply saddened by the loss of a great friend, Hall of Fame broadcaster and community icon, Felo Ramirez,” the team said in a statement on Tuesday. “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 more than 30 World Series and All-Star Games, and his extensive contributions to our game will never be forgotten.”

Ramirez had suffered a head injury and lacerations on April 26 while stepping off of the club’s bus, per MLB.com. He remained in a Delaware hospital for several months before being allowed to return to Miami.

The Cuban-born Ramirez, credited with helping spread the sport throughout Latin America, called Marlins games for Radio Mambi — WAQI 710 AM in Miami — with Yiky Quintana. He had been with the team since the league’s expansion in 1993, and called Miami’s World Series wins in 1997 and 2003.

In 2001, Ramirez was honored with the Ford C. Frick Award, which includes recognition in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He was the first Hispanic broadcaster to be inducted into Cooperstown.

In addition to his beloved baseball, Ramirez also called a number of Muhammad Ali boxing matches.

Here is the Marlins’ tweet remembering Ramirez:

Gone, but not forgotten. Ramirez has a street named for him outside Marlins Park: Northwest 6th Street also is known as Felo Ramirez Drive.

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