The National Baseball Commission announced on Tuesday the temporary suspension of two individuals from the competitive baseball system following a violent altercation on September 27 in Sancti Spíritus. According to the official outlet Cubadebate, the individuals penalized include Eriel Sánchez León, the manager of the Sancti Spíritus team, and the technical commissioner Eusebio Miguel Rojas Rodríguez. The incident occurred following a game against Isla de la Juventud during the 64th National Series.
The Commission's report detailed that the conflict began when the Sancti Spíritus team disputed a controversial play. Post-game, Sánchez confronted the technical table, resulting in a heated exchange with Rojas. Despite instructions to avoid further confrontation, Rojas approached Sánchez again, leading to a physical altercation. During the scuffle, Sánchez struck Rojas with a wooden object, causing a head injury that required medical attention. The Commission clarified the object was not a bat, contrary to some claims.
As a consequence, both Sánchez and Rojas face suspension from baseball activities: Sánchez for five years and Rojas for three, due to their involvement in a significant breach of discipline as specified in Article 17, section c, of the Baseball Competitive System Disciplinary Regulations, and punished in accordance with Article 20, section l. The National Baseball Commission condemned the incident as "a completely avoidable episode, a result of the irresponsible actions of those involved, contrary to the core values of the Cuban sports system," and committed to enforcing the rules strictly.
Sánchez's Perspective: “I Don’t Justify My Actions, But Hear My Side”
Following the widespread circulation of news about his sanction, Sánchez provided his account in an interview with the newspaper Escambray. While not excusing his behavior, he emphasized the importance of sharing his side of the story. Sánchez detailed that the dispute originated in the eighth inning, after a close play where the umpire initially allowed a run, only for the score to later be altered. This decision sparked dissatisfaction among the Sancti Spíritus players, and despite their victory, Sánchez chose to confront Rojas.
He recounted a heated verbal exchange with Rojas, which escalated to personal insults and a challenge to fight. According to Sánchez, the situation intensified 30 minutes post-game when Rojas intruded into his office and initiated a confrontation. Sánchez claimed Rojas attempted to strike him, prompting a defensive response that led to Rojas being injured by hitting a table. Sánchez acknowledges using a stick during the altercation but denies it was a bat, as rumored online, asserting self-defense and uncertainty over whether Rojas's injury was from the object or the table.
Expressing regret, Sánchez lamented the damage to his reputation. "I've never intended to harm anyone's health," he stated, accepting the National Baseball Commission's decision to penalize him while urging a fair evaluation of events without demanding an "exemplary punishment."
Baseball Commission's Initial Response
Earlier on Monday, the National Baseball Commission (CNB) addressed the violent incident at José Antonio Huelga Stadium, announcing that both Sánchez and Rojas would not partake in the 64th National Series until the disciplinary actions were determined. "The Disciplinary Commission is reviewing the incident involving both parties, and they will not participate in the 64th SNB until the appropriate measures are established," the CNB stated in an official post on their social media platform.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sancti Spíritus Incident
What led to the altercation between Eriel Sánchez and Eusebio Rojas?
The altercation began after a controversial play during a game, which led to a heated exchange between Sánchez and Rojas, escalating to a physical confrontation.
How long are Eriel Sánchez and Eusebio Rojas suspended from baseball?
Eriel Sánchez is suspended for five years, while Eusebio Rojas faces a three-year suspension from the competitive baseball system.
What did the National Baseball Commission say about the incident?
The Commission described the incident as avoidable and a result of irresponsible behavior, emphasizing it was against the values of Cuban sports.