Last Thursday, Luisvany Meneses Hernández was appointed as the new manager of the Sancti Spíritus baseball team for the upcoming 64th National Series, following the suspension of Eriel Sánchez due to a violent altercation. Pavel Reyes, the acting provincial commissioner of Baseball, informed local state-run media that this decision was made in collaboration with the local Sports Directorate after evaluating several candidates.
Meneses Hernández brings a wealth of experience, having managed lower-category teams in Sancti Spíritus. Under his leadership, teams from this central province have earned silver and bronze medals in the Juvenile category, a bronze in the Sub-15, and both gold and silver in the 11-12 national tournaments. Additionally, he has contributed to the management of Cuban national teams in various international competitions, including the U-15 Pan American and Juvenile tournaments, Criollitos de Venezuela, and an invitational event in Chinese Taipei.
The Eriel Sánchez Controversy
Eriel Sánchez León, the former manager of the Sancti Spíritus team, recently declared his permanent retirement from Cuban baseball, despite a five-year suspension imposed by the National Baseball Commission (CNB) due to a violent incident on September 27 at José Antonio Huelga Stadium in Sancti Spíritus. His announcement has sent shockwaves through the Cuban sports community, especially after his candid statements.
"I will never manage again, not even after the five years," Sánchez stated in an audio message shared by the local outlet Escambray. "I am so embarrassed and ashamed that, even if I were not penalized, I would not manage anymore. I am resigning, not out of cowardice, but because I refuse to lose a hard-earned reputation," he added.
Sánchez further explained, "I am accepting responsibility for something that isn't mine. I am not the person portrayed on social media. That's why I am stepping down, so the few who still hold onto some of my reputation can preserve it."
Disciplinary Actions: Five-Year Ban for Eriel Sánchez and Three Years for Miguel Rojas
The CNB recently announced the suspension of Eriel Sánchez from the competitive system for five years, along with Eusebio Miguel Rojas Rodríguez, a technical commissioner involved in the altercation, who received a three-year suspension. These penalties are based on the classification of "very serious indiscipline" as outlined in Article 17, section c, of the Cuban baseball competitive system's Disciplinary Regulations, and sanctioned according to Article 20, section l of the same document.
The CNB clarified that the incident began when the Sancti Spíritus team's management protested a controversial play during a match against Isla de la Juventud. Despite the team's victory, the protest led to a heated argument between Eriel Sánchez and the technical commissioner, which escalated into a physical confrontation off the field.
The Commission described the event as "a totally avoidable episode, resulting from the irresponsible actions of those involved, and contrary to the core values of the Cuban sports system."
Miguel Rojas: "I Was the One Attacked"
Eusebio Miguel Rojas, the technical commissioner suspended for three years, expressed his disagreement with the ruling, claiming he was the victim of the assault. As per the regulations, both Rojas and Sánchez are entitled to appeal the decision.
Eriel Sánchez's Perspective: "I Don't Justify Wrongdoing, but I Want My Side Heard"
In a prior interview with Escambray, Sánchez shared his account of the incident, explaining that it stemmed from a controversial play in the eighth inning, where the umpire initially validated a run and later reversed the decision. Although Sancti Spíritus benefited from the outcome, the technical director confronted Rojas over what he perceived as a biased attitude.
The verbal exchange intensified, and according to Sánchez, it was the commissioner who challenged him to a fight. "About 30 minutes later, Rojas suddenly entered my office, swung at me, and I reacted. There was a struggle, and he hit a table. I used a stick to defend myself, but it wasn't a bat, as circulated on social media," he stated.
While acknowledging his responsibility, Sánchez denied any intent to harm Rojas deliberately. "I have never been capable of attempting to harm someone's health," he emphasized, urging for an objective evaluation of the incident rather than a public punishment.
Key Questions About the Sancti Spíritus Baseball Incident
Who is Luisvany Meneses Hernández?
Luisvany Meneses Hernández is the newly appointed manager of the Sancti Spíritus baseball team. He has a history of leading teams in various age categories to success in national tournaments.
What led to Eriel Sánchez's suspension?
Eriel Sánchez was suspended for five years following a violent altercation with a technical commissioner during a match, which was deemed "very serious indiscipline" by the National Baseball Commission.
What was the cause of the altercation between Eriel Sánchez and Miguel Rojas?
The altercation began over a disputed play during a game, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation between Sánchez and Rojas.