Blue Jays icon Tony Fernandez dies at 57

Former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Tony Fernandez has died, the club confirmed on Sunday.

Fernandez, a member of the 1993 World Series-winning Jays, was 57. He died after a stroke and kidney complications, according to Hector Gomez of Deportivo Z 101.

The five-time All-Star was hospitalized in early February after undergoing surgery to treat an infection. He revealed in 2017 he had polycystic kidney disease.

"The Toronto Blue Jays are deeply saddened by the passing of Tony Fernandez, one of our club's most celebrated and respected players," the team said in a statement. "Enshrined forever in Blue Jays history on the Level of Excellence, Tony left an equally indelible mark in the hearts of a generation of Blue Jays fans during his 12 unforgettable seasons with the team."

"His impact on the baseball community in Toronto and across Canada is immeasurable," the statement continued. "Our deepest condolences are with the Fernandez family during this time."

Fernandez, a native of the Dominican Republic, played in the majors for 17 years (2,158 career games), including 12 seasons with the Blue Jays. One of just 11 people honored on the Level of Excellence at Toronto's Rogers Centre, he's the franchise's leader in games played, hits, and triples.

The Blue Jays traded Fernandez and first baseman Fred McGriff to the San Diego Padres in December 1990 for outfielder Joe Carter and second baseman Roberto Alomar, both of whom played pivotal roles in Toronto's back-to-back title wins in 1992 and 1993. Fernandez rejoined the Blue Jays during the 1993 campaign following a trade with the New York Mets.

A four-time Gold Glove winner, Fernandez also suited up for the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Milwaukee Brewers. He played in his second Fall Classic in 1997, hitting the pennant-winning home run in Game 6 of the ALCS to clinch the Indians' World Series berth.

In 1995, Fernandez hit for the cycle as a member of the Yankees. He missed the following season due to injury, and his absence opened the door for Derek Jeter to take over as the Yankees' shortstop.

At the time of his retirement in 2001, Fernandez's 2,276 hits were the most by a Dominican-born player in MLB history.