OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Longtime Omaha World-Herald sports writer Steve Pivovar has died. He was 64.

Sue Pivovar said her husband died at a hospital Wednesday. He had battled kidney cancer for nine months and, more recently, pneumonia.

Steve Pivovar worked more than 40 years for the World-Herald . The Omaha native covered a wide range of beats, most recently Creighton University sports, and was considered an authority on the history of the College World Series.

Pivovar covered the CWS for four decades and wrote a book about Rosenblatt Stadium, where the CWS was played until 2010.

The NCAA paid tribute to Pivovar on June 20 during what would have been the 500th consecutive CWS game staffed by Pivovar. “PIV,” as he was known, was etched behind home plate and along the foul lines. A press box seat was left empty in his honor throughout the tournament.