Blanca Jarrín, wife of Los Angeles Dodgers Spanish-language broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, tragically passed away at the age of 85. The team announced Thursday afternoon that Blanca suffered a heart attack while the family was visiting in Flagstaff, Ariz.
The loss is the second in the past two weeks for the organization, as Don Newcombe passed away Feb. 19 after a lengthy battle with illness.
Blanca is survived by Jaime, sons Jorge and Mauricio, three sisters and three grandchildren. Last September, Jarrín signed a multi-year contract extension to take him through the 2020 season. He recognized his wife as a key factor to continuing with his career.
“I’m still enjoying it just as much as I did 60 years ago. I love what I do, and it’s a privilege for me to be able to do it,” Jarrín said at the time his new contract was announced.
“I have had the opportunity to work with the best of the best, ballplayers, broadcasters and staff, and I have been so fortunate throughout my career. Of course, I have to thank the Dodgers and especially my wife Blanca for her support and for allowing me to do what I love all these years.”
Jaime recently was presented with the Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Southern California Sports Broadcasters luncheon.
The 2019 season will be Jarrín’s 61st in the broadcast booth. He’s been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (1998) received the Ford C. Frick Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.