Andy Vargas Returns to Cuba to Support His Beloved Industriales

Legendary sports commentator Andy Vargas has made his way back to Cuba to reconnect with the team that has been a cornerstone of his professional and personal journey: the Industriales.

The news was shared by journalist Pavel Otero in a Facebook post, expressing joy over the seasoned commentator's visit from the United States to support the Lions during their playoff series against Mayabeque.

"Although Andy Vargas is now retired and resides in the United States, he traveled to Cuba to enjoy the team he holds dear in his heart," Otero noted.

This visit was particularly significant as Industriales had recently secured their spot in the semifinals of the 64th National Baseball Series by defeating the Mayabeque Hurricanes 5-3 at the Nelson Fernández Stadium in San José de las Lajas.

During the event, Vargas, who had been the enduring voice of Industriales on COCO radio for nearly 30 years, paid tribute to two iconic players from the capital team who passed away in 2025.

"This playoff victory against Mayabeque is dedicated to two legendary figures of Industriales who recently departed: Pedro Medina and Armando Capiró," Otero emphasized.

The match that prompted his visit was critical.

According to the Tribuna de La Habana weekly, the Lions, led by Guillermo Carmona, claimed victory on Mayabeque's turf, ensuring their spot in the upcoming Elite League with their fourth win in six games.

Andy Vargas's return to the stands, this time as a devoted fan rather than an announcer, carried a significant emotional weight. His name is synonymous with some of the most celebrated periods of Industriales in recent decades, and his voice has resonated with generations of Cuban baseball enthusiasts.

Vargas, whose full name is Ángel Andrés Hernández Vargas, moved to the United States in May 2024 through a family reunification program, sponsored by one of his children residing in Miami.

He officially retired the previous year after spending over three decades at COCO.

Journalist Yasel Porto once described him as an "iconic figure of COCO and especially of the Industriales team," recalling that he was "the longest-serving narrator associated with the capital's Lions," accompanying them in national championships in 1996, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2010.

Now, having stepped away from the microphones, Andy Vargas reconnects with his team from a different angle: as a fan who crosses borders to witness the Lions' triumphs and pay tribute to those who were also part of that cherished history.