Former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop legend Tony Fernández died Sunday due to complications from a kidney disease at the age of 57.

The Dominican baseball star was diagnosed with polycystic kidney in 2017. He had been in critical condition since suffering a stroke earlier this month.

Fernández was taken off a life support system in the afternoon with his family present at a hospital in Weston, Florida, said Imrad Hallim, the director and co-founder of the Tony Fernández Foundation.

He had been in a medically induced coma and had waited years for a kidney transplant.

Former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop legend Tony Fernández died Sunday due to complications from a kidney disease at the age of 57

The Dominican baseball star was diagnosed with polycystic kidney in 2017 and was waiting for a transplant. He had been in critical condition since suffering a stroke earlier this month. Pictured at his induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in June 2008

The Blue Jays released a statement honoring their former star on Sunday haling him as 'one of our club's most celebrated and respected players'

In memory of Number 1. Forever in our hearts 💙 pic.twitter.com/lUCfBpc1U3 — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 16, 2020

Just two weeks ago one of his former teammates confirmed Fernández was in critical condition with a kidney ailment.

The Blue Jays released a statement honoring their former star on Sunday.

'The Toronto Blue Jays are deeply saddened by the passing of Tony Fernández, one of our club's most celebrated and respected players,' it reads.

'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. Our deepest condolences are with the Fernández family during this time.'

Fernández was born in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic, a cradle of shortstops and home to dozens of major leaguers who followed such as Sammy Sosa, Alfonso Soriano and Robinson Canó.

He signed with the Blue Jays in 1979 at the age of just 17.

Fernández spent 14 seasons with the Blue Jays and is their all-time leader in hits (1,583), games (1,450) and triples (72).

Though Fernández had stints with six other teams, he played for the Blue Jays at four different points during his career and enjoyed four of his five All-Star seasons there.

Fernandez pictured gracefully leaping over a sliding Minnesota Twins player during a game in Toronto, Canada in June 1986

The beloved Blue Jays #1 star announced his retirement at the end of the 2001 season. Pictured tipping his hat in reaction to a standing ovation from Blue Jays fans after his last game

Tony Fernandez founded his own foundation that helps underprivileged and troubled children through counseling, education, training, and physical and spiritual activities

He also helped the team win its second straight World Series in 1993 and won four straight Gold Gloves with the Blue Jays in the 1980s.

He finished his career in 2001 with 2,276 hits, 1,057 runs and a lifetime WAR of 45.3.

Especially early in his career, the rail-thin Fernández was a breathtaking defender at shortstop. Silky smooth in the field, he had a familiar way of slinging the ball almost underhand from his hip, causing his throws to arc their way to first base before landing softly in a teammate's mitt.

He was part of a memorable blockbuster trade in December 1990 that sent Fernández and slugger Fred McGriff from Toronto to San Diego for Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar and outfielder Joe Carter, who hit the game-ending home run that won the 1993 World Series for the Blue Jays.

He retired in 2001 and went on to become an ordained minister and establish the Tony Fernández Foundation which assists underprivileged and troubled children

Fernández pictured smiling in January 2018 at an event for his charity foundation

The baseball star pictured with his son Andres in 2017

Pictured with his wife Clara at an event for his charity in January

Fernández was traded to the Mets after the 1992 season and then back to Toronto in June 1993.

He spent 1995 as the primary shortstop for a Yankees team that gave the franchise its first playoff berth in 14 years.

He signed back on with the Blue Jays for 1998 and made his final All-Star team at age 37 with them in 1999.

Fernández played the next year in Japan, then split his last big league season between Milwaukee and Toronto. He finished up where he started, hitting .305 over 48 games for the Blue Jays in 2001.

He retired in 2001 and went on to become an ordained minister and establish the Tony Fernández Foundation which assists underprivileged and troubled children.

Toronto Mayor John Tory tweeted: 'Joining all @BlueJays fans in grieving the great Tony Fernandez. On behalf of all Toronto residents, I am extending condolences to Tony's family and friends. #RIPTonyFernandez'

Canadian TV personality Steve Patterson praised Fernández for being a leader on and off the field

Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dan Plesac payed tribute to Fernandez calling him 'kind, gentle giant of a man'

Former teammate Kelvim Escobar, who played for the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels, remembered Fernandez as one of his mentors

Pitcher David Wells remember Fernandez hailing him as a 'great teammate and friend'. 'A pitchers dream to have him at shortstop when you're pitching. One of the best ever. RIP my friend,' he wrote

Baseball star Ozzie Guillen tweeted: 'Rip Tony Fernandez smooooth as can be. Thanks for teaching me to compete. You will be missed a true gentleman on and off the field'

Bob File who spent over three seasons as a reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays tweeted: 'A former teammate and locker neighbor, he made everyonea round him better. RIP'

He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Fernández and his wife Clara shared five children together.

Tributes poured in for the baseball champion on Twitter.

Toronto Mayor John Tory tweeted: 'Joining all @BlueJays fans in grieving the great Tony Fernandez. On behalf of all Toronto residents, I am extending condolences to Tony's family and friends. #RIPTonyFernandez.'

Canadian TV personality Steve Patterson praised Fernández for being a leader on and off the field.

'He played the game like a kid who couldn't believe he was getting paid for it. And he treated the kids who were his fans like they were his bosses,' he tweeted.