Legendary Cuban Baseball Player Luis Giraldo Casanova Mourns the Loss of His Daughter at 41

Sania Casanova, daughter of renowned Cuban sports figure Giraldo Casanova, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 41 after a prolonged battle with cancer. The tragic news was confirmed by family friends, who had disclosed that her health had become critical on Friday. Jacinto Carcedo Pérez, a close friend of the family, revealed that Sania died at 7:30 a.m. at the Abel Santamaría Provincial Hospital, where she had been admitted due to her worsening condition.

Carcedo expressed his admiration, stating, "I have witnessed one of the most dramatic, epic, and glorious fights for life, as Sania battled tirelessly against the harsh fate life dealt her. Sania Casanova was not defeated by this malignant disease; a woman of her heroic caliber does not deserve to be called defeated."

Sania is survived by her son, Lázaro Páez Casanova, who has participated in two National Series with his Pinar del Río team and is considered a promising baseball prospect in the country. The family has scheduled her funeral for this Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Her father, Luis Giraldo Casanova, affectionately known as "El Señor Pelotero," was a member of the national teams for 13 consecutive years. He was celebrated for his powerful and consistent hitting and his exceptional versatility as a player. Casanova was part of the Pinar del Río and Vegueros teams, as well as the Cuban National Baseball Team. He achieved multiple international victories, including the Pan American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games, the Intercontinental Cup, and World Championships.

After retiring as a player, Casanova took on the role of coach, leading the Pinar del Río team in the National Series. His legacy remains highly esteemed in Cuba, and in November 2014, he was inducted into the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame. The passing of his daughter Sania has deeply affected the former player and the Cuban baseball community.