This past Saturday, two baseball players and two coaches faced penalties for misconduct and aggressive behavior during their respective games. During a press conference, sanctions were announced following a game between Mayabeque and Las Tunas at Julio Antonio Mella Stadium.
Experts stated that the incidents included intentional pitches aimed at players, verbal abuses directed at umpires, and inappropriate gestures towards spectators. Consequently, pitcher Yoelkis Cruz from Las Tunas received a five-game suspension for deliberately hitting a batter. His teammate, Diosmel Hurtado, was also suspended for five games for making obscene gestures at the crowd.
In a related incident, Rigoberto Hernández, a coach for Mayabeque, will miss five games for using foul language towards an umpire. Meanwhile, Jorge Miranda, a coach from Granma, is set to be absent for ten games due to aggressively challenging an umpire's decision.
These disciplinary actions are a result of unsportsmanlike conduct that took place during the Mayabeque–Las Tunas match last Sunday. Moreover, it was revealed that the umpires from this game are awaiting technical evaluations, though not disciplinary actions.
The controversy has gained further attention following a severe incident in national baseball, where technical commissioner Miguel Rojas Rodríguez was violently assaulted after a National Series game.
Allegedly, Eriel Sánchez, the manager for the Sancti Spíritus team, attacked Rojas with a bat after a National Series game held on Saturday at the “José Antonio Huelga Stadium.” Rojas was taken to the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial Hospital, where he received five stitches. Although he currently shows no signs of cranial or brain damage, he remains under medical observation.
Additionally, last June, ten players were expelled following a large-scale brawl during a youth game between Sancti Spíritus and Ciego de Ávila, also at José Antonio Huelga Stadium.
Baseball Sanctions and Incidents in Cuba
What were the reasons for the recent suspensions in Cuban baseball?
The suspensions were due to intentional hits, obscene gestures towards the audience, and inappropriate language directed at umpires.
Who was the technical commissioner assaulted after a National Series game?
Technical commissioner Miguel Rojas Rodríguez was assaulted after a National Series game.
What actions have been taken against those involved in the baseball incidents?
Players and coaches received game suspensions, while umpires are awaiting technical evaluations.