Hollywood and political figures collectively have expressed shock and paid tribute after acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his spouse, Michele, were tragically found dead in their Los Angeles home. The couple, 78 and 68, were pronounced dead this Sunday in their upscale neighborhood. The Dodgers also extended their sincere condolences for the loss of the longtime devoted fan.

For more than 60 years, the iconic filmmaker remained a diehard Dodgers fan. And hours after his passing, the team officially offered their condolences on their X handle. “The Dodgers express our deep sorrow and share our condolences over the passing of longtime fan Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.”

Rob Reiner’s loyalty to the Dodgers began when his family moved to Los Angeles when he was a teenager. In fact, baseball always held a special place for Reiner. He saw it as a metaphor for life.

Reiner often reflected on baseball as a mirror of life. Like life, the Dodgers’ fan believed, it’s a team game. But, as he saw it, “when you’re at bat, nobody can help you. You’re all by yourself. It’s like life in that we’re alone, yet we’re still part of a team. In other sports, you rely, always, on your teammates to help you in whatever it is you do. In baseball, yes, you rely on your teammates, but there are moments when you are alone and no one can help you. That’s very much like life, too.”

Major League Baseball also joined in mourning the passing of the widely regarded figures.

“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. An Emmy Award-winning actor and Academy Award-nominated director, Reiner was an avid baseball fan. The Bronx native and Los Angeles resident was a longtime Dodgers fan. Reiner made numerous appearances at ballparks around the country and often inserted baseball references into his films. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones,” MLB shared on X after the loss.

The death has left netizens stunned and grieving. Amid the many Dodgers-related threads connected to the filmmaker, it’s intriguing that one of his sons co-hosts a Dodgers podcast.

Rob Reiner’s son co-hosts a Dodgers podcast

Back in 1991, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer welcomed their firstborn child, Jake Reiner, two years after their marriage.

Jake is a Syracuse University alumnus. His connection to baseball goes way back. He previously worked as a junior broadcasting intern with the Dodgers. And as of late, Jake has turned that passion for baseball into a profession. He happens to be a co-host of The Incline: Dodgers Podcast, alongside David Rosenthal and Kevin Klein.

As the name suggests, the show is dedicated entirely to coverage and conversations around the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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In fact, in June 2023, Jake and his late father, Rob Reiner, also sat down for an exclusive Father’s Day interview with PEOPLE. There, those two spoke about their close bond and shared love for baseball.

Soon after his father’s passing, Reiner, another of the Reiners’ children, received support from Dodgers media outlet Dodgers Tailgate. “The entire Dodgers Tailgate family sends our heartfelt condolences and support to Jake Reiner, a former member of our social team, and his family during this incredibly difficult time… We are thinking of you, Jake.” Dodgers Tailgate noted on X.