14 Historic home runs of Cuban baseball

Cuban baseball has witnessed memorable homers. These fights have changed the course of championships, have silenced rival stadiums and have turned their protagonists into legends.

In this list we collect the 15 most memorable homers of Cuban baseball, considering factors such as the stage of the tournament, the spectacularity of the hit, the quality of the rival pitcher and the transcendence of the moment.

15 historical home runs of Cuban baseball

1. Eriel Sánchez – Semifinal 2014

The second game of the semifinal between Matanzas and Villa Clara was tied for a race in the tenth entrance. With two outs and a favorable count, the spirit receptor Eriel Sánchez, reinforcement of the crocodiles, connected a home run before the pitcher Laín Sánchez. The hit ended the game and left the Villaclareños, giving Matanzas a 2-0 advantage in the series. It was a key moment in the recent history of the playoffs in Cuba.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ciw2GNBBGM

2. Loidel Chapell – Finals of 2001

In the ninth inning of a crucial match between Camagüey and Villa Clara, the fornido Camagüeyano Loidel Chapell faced the orange reliever Eliecer Montes de Oca. With a powerful swing, he took out the ball from the park, unleashing the euphoria at the Cándido González stadium. This home run gave Camagüey the advantage and raided the way for his final victory in the series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRyB2P8yB6s

3. Rolando Meriño – Final of 1999

In a tense match between Santiago de Cuba and Pinar del Río, Rolando Meriño became the unexpected hero. He connected a solitary homer for the Left Field of the Latin American stadium, the only race in the match. Thanks to his hitting and Norm Vera’s pitching jewel, Santiago forced the seventh game and ended up being crowned champion.

4. Daniel Lazo – Finals of 2002

Industriales was one step away from forcing a fifth game against Pinar del Río when the second base Enrique Díaz made an expensive mistake. This allowed Daniel Lazo, known for his power, to reach the plate. With an accurate swing, he sent the ball through the right garden, leaving the Latin American stadium completely silent and eliminating the Blues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnvlqe4h8vo

5. Juan Rondón – Semifinal of 2002

Holguin puppies sought to take advantage in their series against Villa Clara when Juan Rondón went into action. With a partner based, he shot a home run between Left and Center in the last turn of his team, leaving Villaclareños in the field. This hit was key for Holguin to win the series and achieve his only title in history.

6. Rafael Orlando Acebey – 1992 postseason

After five years without a postseason, Villa Clara returned to the playoffs against Santiago de Cuba. In the tenth entry of a tense game, Rafael Orlando Acebey connected a home run before Eulogio Simón’s right, unleashing madness at the Sandino stadium and consolidating Villa Clara as a power in the 90s.

7. Yosvani Alarcón – Semifinal 2016

In the seventh game of the semifinal, with the tied score and the game in its final stretch, the Tunal receiver Yosvani Alarcón responded with a homer for the Left Field. This hitting led Pinar del Río to the final and left Matanzas again to the edge of a title that did not arrive.

8. Ariel Pestano – Final of 2003

With the full bases and the 3-2 score in favor of Villa Clara, Ariel Pestano faced Michael Martínez. He connected a Grand Slam that caused euphoria at the Sandino Stadium and secured a new title for his team.

9. Agustín Marquetti – End of 1986

One of the most iconic home runs of Cuban baseball. In the decisive game between industrialists and vegueros, Agustín Marquetti faced Rogelio García and connected an unforgettable hit that left the vegueros lying and gave the crown to the Blues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgpy67mbwng

10. Antonio Pacheco – Final of 1999

With full bases and the marker tied in the sixth game of the final against Pinar del Río, Antonio Pacheco, despite being injured, entered as emerging and fired a demolish homer against Pedro Luis Lazo, sentencing the championship in favor of Santiago de Cuba.

11. Pedro José Rodríguez – End of 1978

Pedro José Rodríguez predicted his own home run in the ninth inning of the final between Las Villas and Pinar del Río. Before a launch of Rogelio García, he took the ball from the park and secured the championship for his team.

12. Lourdes Gurriel – 1988 World Cup

At a critical moment against the United States, Lourdes Gurriel connected a home run that avoided the elimination of Cuba and allowed the team to remain in the fight for the world title.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxCGJ1PC8QS

13. Omar Linares – Winnipeg 1999

In the semifinal of the Pan American GamesCuba lost to Canada until Omar Linares responded with a three -run homer. This hit assured the Cuban victory and the Olympic classification.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpjwqwy0b_8

14. Antonio Muñoz – World Cup of 1980

With a closed pitching duel against Japan, Antonio Muñoz connected a solitary home run that defined the World Championship for Cuba in the Tokyo Dome.

Conclusion

Cuban baseball has given unforgettable moments, and these homers are testimony to the passion and talent that has characterized its players. From the national series to international events, each home run left a brand in history.