With news like this, there is crying in baseball.Tom Singer, among the first journalists hired at MLB.com, passed away suddenly on Monday at his residence in Scottsdale, Ariz.Tom was a world-class reporter and beloved colleague who had been with us for each of our first 15 seasons. He dedicated his

With news like this, there is crying in baseball.

Tom Singer, among the first journalists hired at MLB.com, passed away suddenly on Monday at his residence in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Tom was a world-class reporter and beloved colleague who had been with us for each of our first 15 seasons. He dedicated his life to the people he loved, the game he loved and to exceptional storytelling as both a reporter and editor.

Ringolsby: Singer will be missed by many

"Tom always had an upbeat personality and love for the game," said Pirates ace Gerrit Cole. "He would always love to chat about his time in LA in and around Westwood covering UCLA. Tom covered some of the most important times in my life with professionalism and integrity. For that, thank you. You will be missed."

Tom, 67, battled heath issues in recent years and quietly fought them to the end. He was a go-to jack of all trades, always putting the team and relationships first, always expressing gratitude for each opportunity and breath. Tom, who started covering baseball in 1974, didn't have an entitled bone in his body, and he welcomed assignments near and far, most recently as a writer covering the team of his youth, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

A beatwriter for us the past few years.Well respected in our clubhouse. May you rest in peace @Tom_Singer pic.twitter.com/B7g12e1e8V — andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) February 10, 2016

"He was a kind-hearted man and he was a fantastic friend of the game," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "He peeled back the layers and more often than not he'd have a piece of information that not many others had. He had a very unique lens through which he watched the game and a unique storytelling ability that was endearing."

Our hearts go out to his wife of 42 years, Malvina, to his sons, Jason and Sean, and his countless friends in Southern California, Arizona, Pennsylvania and everywhere else. We're already picturing him in his signature pinstripe suit, making the grandest of entrances to the great beyond.

• Singer recalls MLB.com's role in game's growth in one of his final blog posts

A glimpse of his charming personality can be found in his Twitter description:

"From Pirates to doing it all for MLB.com. The season after I left the Angels beat, they won the World Series. Plan the parade, Pittsburgh."

Tom eagerly looked forward to covering MLB nationally this season from the warmth of Arizona, closer to family, counting down the days and degrees to pitchers and catchers reporting, as reflected in his final tweet:

Mother Nature must’ve gotten her #SpringTraining schedule. Into 30s at night this week — but will be in 80s next week. #MLB #cubs #Brewers — Tom Singer (@Tom_Singer) February 6, 2016

That was Tom, turning the page, eager and raising a half-full glass.

Heartfelt reaction poured in from across the industry.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Pirates reporter Tom Singer," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said. "Tom was an ultimate professional and a passionate reporter who was very proud of his Pittsburgh roots. ... Tom will be deeply missed by all of us and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Saddened to hear of the passing of MLB's Tom Singer. Great representation of what covering Baseball should be. Prayers go out to his family. — Neil Walker (@NeilWalker18) February 10, 2016

Added Angels manager Mike Scioscia: "Tom Singer was very liked and respected by everyone he worked with in baseball. He was a very nice guy who had great passion for what he did. Tom will be deeply missed."

Malvina said she's still in shock.

"It's surreal. He wasn't feeling sick. … We weren't prepared."

Please keep Mal and the family in your hearts and wishes.

Wednesday, Tom was trending on Twitter. To that, we're pretty sure he'd grin, then say: "Slow news night?"

Godspeed, Tom Singer.

Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 3 p.m. PT at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary in Costa Mesa, Calif.