Former Cuban Major League Baseball player, Yunel Escobar, has publicly spoken out about the hazardous structural conditions of the building he resides in within Miami-Dade, demanding immediate action to ensure resident safety. Through a series of Instagram posts, Escobar detailed his personal ordeal and sharply criticized the judicial system, condominium associations, and insurance companies, accusing them of negligence and corruption.
In a powerful message, Escobar shared an official statement from the City's Unsafe Structures Section, issued under the Miami-Dade building code, declaring his residence, The Ivy Condominium in Brickell, as perilous to human life and health. The report highlights significant dangers, including toxic black mold, active water leaks, risk of structural collapse, and indoor air contamination, alongside numerous building and safety code violations.
"This isn't just a piece of paper," Escobar stated. "It's an official declaration certifying that the building I live in is a danger to life." He recounted enduring these severe conditions for nearly four years, documenting his plight with medical reports, lab results, and photographs.
Escobar also revealed that the Condominium Association and their lawyers aim to dismiss his case on May 6, while his attorney withdrew from the case, claiming Escobar was "too difficult" to represent. "Of course, I'm difficult! I refuse to accept crumbs from those who haven't experienced my pain," he emphasized.
The former player accused the system of being "steeped in corruption," alleging that lawyers "rob victims, scam the government, and profit from others' suffering." He declared, "I will not be silenced. I will not be sold. The truth is not for sale."
In his posts, Escobar appealed directly to societal conscience, asking, "Would you let your mother sleep under a roof full of black mold?" He made an urgent call to share his story and publicly expose this situation. "If they don't hear me speak, they'll hear me scream. This isn't just about me; it's about exposing a system that feeds on victims' pain while laughing in their faces."
Yunel Escobar, born in Havana in 1982, emigrated to the United States in 2004 after a perilous raft journey. He played as a shortstop and third baseman for 11 MLB seasons with teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Angels. With a .282 batting average and 90 home runs, he was renowned as one of the most consistent hitters from the Cuban contingent over the past decade.
After retiring in 2017, Escobar remained active within Miami's Cuban-American community. In 2024, he joined the "Patria y Vida" team of the Professional Cuban Baseball Federation (FEPCUBE), an initiative aimed at bringing Cuban exiled players together. However, he later distanced himself from the project, citing disagreements with its direction and objectives.
Escobar has also engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, including opening a virtual reality baseball gaming salon in Miami. In 2021, he went on a hunger strike to demand justice over legal and contractual issues related to this business, leading to financial and personal hardships.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Yunel Escobar
What structural hazards did Yunel Escobar report in his building?
Yunel Escobar reported several serious hazards, including toxic black mold, active water leaks, risk of structural collapse, and indoor air contamination.
How did Yunel Escobar address the legal challenges regarding his building's conditions?
Escobar criticized the legal system and accused the Condominium Association and their lawyers of attempting to dismiss his case. He also mentioned that his attorney withdrew, citing him as "too difficult" to represent.
What actions has Yunel Escobar taken to bring attention to his situation?
Escobar has been vocal on social media, sharing his experience and urging people to spread his story to expose the system's flaws. He has also used official reports and personal documentation to support his claims.