Boston Globe writer Nick Cafardo, who covered the Red Sox and baseball for more than three decades, died Thursday after collapsing outside the team’s spring training clubhouse in Florida.
He was 62.
The team’s medical staff responded quickly but was unable to revive him. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead of an apparent embolism.
Cafardo wasn’t supposed to be at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers because it was his day off but no one was surprised to see him there because his work ethic was unmatched.
“He never wanted a trip off. He never wanted a day off. He came early and stayed late. He was never in a hurry to get out,” said Globe sports columnist Dan Shaughnessy. “Nick showed up every day without fanfare. He was part of the daily heartbeat of baseball.”
Recognized by colleagues and rivals alike, Cafardo was a gentle soul who even pledged to never eat chicken again after big league outfielder Ivan Calderon took him to a cockfight in Puerto Rico.
Tributes to Cafardo began rolling in on social media as soon as the news was announced and continued to pour in through the night and on Friday.
Nick Cafardo was the person most responsible for getting me to the Globe after I gave up on what was my dream job.
When I thanked him, he waved me off every time.
I'd give anything to do it again.
So if somebody has helped you, thank them again before you miss another chance.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 22, 2019
Jerry Remy pays tribute to longtime Red Sox reporter Nick Cafardo, who died Thursday. pic.twitter.com/Qex538h6pt
— NESN (@NESN) February 22, 2019
This is a sad, sad day for his family, his many friends and his many readers. Nick Cafardo was a pro’s pro writer and a great guy. The Globe and all sports media have lost a Giant.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) February 21, 2019
I truly do not know anyone in the game or in life who was as well liked as Nick Cafardo. Stunned by the news and deeply saddened. Literally spoke with him yesterday. #RIPNick. pic.twitter.com/gVjOOF1i3f
— Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) February 22, 2019
It is 8:18 am and this is Nick Cafardo’s seat in the press box at Fenway South for today’s opener. No idea who left these but thank you. pic.twitter.com/TN06e6gQra
— Dan Shaughnessy (@Dan_Shaughnessy) February 22, 2019
Nick Cafardo never stopped being the kind of baseball writer he was, and yet his work appealed to readers of all ages. My @TheAthleticBOS column on a truly nice man who was a welcome addition in every press box. One of the all time greats. https://t.co/tReEVaSVHl
— Steve Buckley (@BuckinBoston) February 22, 2019
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