Pedro Medina Ayón, one of the towering figures in Cuban baseball history, passed away on July 21 at the age of 72 due to severe medical complications. The legendary former catcher for the Industriales team underwent surgery on July 14 for an intestinal blockage. Although he initially overcame the operation, he suffered a mesenteric thrombosis on Monday, necessitating an emergency second surgery. Despite the medical team's efforts, his life could not be saved, as reported by the state-run media outlet, Cubadebate. Medina Ayón leaves an indelible mark on Cuban baseball, celebrated for both his outstanding achievements on the field and his human legacy. His name is etched into the collective memory of the nation, recognized for his powerful hitting, quiet leadership, and unwavering loyalty to the national team.
A Celebrated Sporting Career
Born on December 19, 1952, in Guanabacoa, Havana, Pedro Medina showcased his baseball talent from a young age at the "Quintín Bandera" field in his hometown, known for his powerful batting. He debuted in the National Series in 1972, and by the following year, he was celebrating his first championship with the Industriales, alongside notable players like Rey Vicente Anglada and Julián Villar. Over his 17-season career as a catcher in Cuba, Medina played for teams including Industriales, Metropolitanos, Habana, and Ciudad de La Habana.
In 1986, he was instrumental in the Industriales' historic championship win, which was clinched with Agustín Marquetti's famous home run. His impressive career statistics speak volumes of his greatness: 1,456 games played, 221 home runs, 886 runs scored, 869 runs batted in, 948 walks, a batting average of .295, and an exceptional fielding average of .987, as noted by the sports media Swing Completo. He caught 331 runners out of 776 steal attempts, boasting a remarkable 42.7% success rate behind the plate.
One of his most memorable performances took place on December 15, 1987, when he hit three home runs in a single game at the Cristóbal Labra Stadium on Isla de la Juventud.
International Acclaim
Medina's talent earned him a spot on the national team for nearly a decade. He participated in numerous international events, including the 1978 Central American and Caribbean Games, where he batted .385; the 1978 Amateur World Series with an offensive line of .316/.458/.421; and the 1979 Pan American Games, hitting .375. In 1979, he led the Intercontinental Cup with a staggering .462 average, earning a spot in the All-Star Game as a catcher. In 1980, he continued to shine in the Amateur World Series with a .452 average.
The pinnacle of his international career came in 1981 during the Intercontinental Cup in Edmonton, Canada. Although Cuba did not clinch the gold, Medina came off the bench to hit a game-tying home run against Japan, earning him the nickname "The Hero of Edmonton." In that tournament, he batted .357.
Coaching and Mentoring
After retiring as a player in 1988, Medina took a break from baseball before returning as a manager in 1996. In his first season, he led the Industriales to a national championship victory against the then-dominant Villa Clara team. He remained at the helm for two more seasons, consistently guiding the team to the playoffs. His expertise also took him beyond Cuba, as he coached the Italian national team in the 1997 Intercontinental Cup in Barcelona, achieving a respectable sixth place. Later, he coached the Italian club Grosseto, leading them to a national title in 2004. Medina also contributed to the Havana Baseball Technical Commission and shared his knowledge with countries like Panama, leaving a formative impact beyond Cuban borders.
Tributes Pour In
The passing of Pedro Medina Ayón has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from Cuban sports and cultural figures, who expressed their respect and admiration for the legendary number 31. Former Industriales and Cuba pitcher René Arocha described him as a "great friend" and "idol of many generations, a very jovial and charismatic guy." He reminisced, "It was an honor for me since I was a kid debuting in national series to have the experience and wisdom of a catcher like Pedro Medina. This photo is from the 80-81 season when I was just 16, receiving advice from Pedrín," alongside a touching photo of them conversing on the field.
Journalist Yasser Porto shared the historic 1981 Edmonton home run on social media, writing, "Tribute to the last great 'fallen'... One of the classic moments of Cuban baseball." Sports journalist Ernesto Ruiz Faxas expressed his sorrow with words echoing the sentiments of many: "What sadness... Pedro Medina has left us. A player who resides in the pages of heroics. I always keep in my soundtrack, the 'Azules' names with that mark... 'Pedro Medina, #31... Catcher'." He added, "Tall, serious, but with a good-natured face. An idol... always dangerous at the plate."
For fellow journalist Pavel Otero, the news was especially tough due to his personal bond with Medina. "This afternoon darkened earlier than ever with the sudden death of the great player Pedro Medina... It hurts me deeply because we had a very sincere friendship. Medina always called me on my birthdays, at the end of the year, on journalists' days... We will never forget you," he wrote.
Tributes also came from the humor world, with comedian Otto Ortiz remembering him with nostalgia and admiration: "A great figure of Cuban sports has left us. As a catcher, he was great; as a person, he was immense. Rest in peace, teacher, you will remain with us." Actor and comedian Omar Franco recalled childhood memories at the stadium: "I still remember when my father started taking me to the Stadium as a child, and I could see Pedro Medina's long home runs. I join the stadium's roar every time he hit a home run." Meanwhile, popular comedian Luis Silva succinctly stated, "A glory of the Industriales team and Cuba has passed away. Pedro Medina Ayón. Rest in peace."
In accordance with the wishes of Pedro Medina's family, his remains will be cremated and a private ceremony will be held. His departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who admired him, both on and off the field.
Pedro Medina's Legacy in Cuban Baseball
What were Pedro Medina's contributions to Cuban baseball?
Pedro Medina was a legendary catcher known for his powerful hitting, leadership, and loyalty to the national team. He played for 17 seasons in Cuba, setting impressive records and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
How did Pedro Medina become known as "The Hero of Edmonton"?
During the 1981 Intercontinental Cup in Edmonton, Medina hit a crucial game-tying home run against Japan, earning him the nickname "The Hero of Edmonton" and cementing his place in baseball history.
What was Pedro Medina's role after retiring as a player?
After retiring in 1988, Medina returned as a manager in 1996, leading the Industriales to a national championship. He also coached internationally, impacting baseball development in countries like Italy and Panama.