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Cuban baseball mourns the death of Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés, one of the greatest Cuban pitchers of all time, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63 due to undisclosed causes.
Born in Jovellanos, Matanzas, the legendary "Zurdo de Oro" was an Olympic champion in Barcelona 1992 and a four-time world champion: Havana 1984, Netherlands 1986, Italy 1988, and Edmonton 1990.
Additionally, he was five-time champion of the Intercontinental Cup, three-time Pan American and Central American champion, and in 1990, he won two games without losses to secure the Gold at the Goodwill Games.
In total, at international events with the Cuban national team, he accumulated 30 victories and only one defeat.
With his team Henequeneros from Matanzas, he was national champion in 1990 and 1991, and both times he was crowned the leader in victories (19).
"Tati" participated in 20 national series, achieving 234 wins, including 46 shutouts, and 166 losses, with a total of 3,134 innings pitched. He allowed 1,090 earned runs, resulting in an earned run average of 3.13, and gave up 2,980 hits. He recorded 1,982 strikeouts and issued 1,024 walks.
"I was fortunate to see him pitch and enjoy his great repertoire: a 90-mile-per-hour fastball, changeup, slider, curveball, and excellent control. But I will never forget his main weapon: the knuckleball, especially against right-handed batters," recalled journalist José Luis López Sado in JIT.
"All that 'recital' of deliveries, combined with his mastery at surprising those who could afford to anchor at first base, made him a left-handed player who was almost untouchable. Hence the excellent statistics he left for history..." he emphasized.
On Facebook, user Pucho Oroza detailed that Valdés is also a member of the exclusive group of three Cuban pitchers with more than 200 complete games. He is in second position with 229, surpassed by Braudilio Vinent (265).
"Twice a Youth World Champion (...) owner of two no-hitters, one against Villa Clara in 1984 at Sandino and another against Canada in the Pan American Games in Havana," Oroza specified.
Frequently asked questions about the life and legacy of Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés, the "Golden Lefty" of Cuban baseball
Who was Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés and why is he considered a legend of Cuban baseball?
Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés was one of the greatest Cuban pitchers of all time, known as the "Golden Lefty." Born in Jovellanos, Matanzas, Valdés was an Olympic champion in Barcelona 1992 and a four-time world champion. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive record of 234 victories in national series and left an indelible mark on Cuban baseball.
What were the most significant achievements of Jorge Luis Valdés in his international career?
Jorge Luis Valdés was an Olympic champion in 1992 and won four world championships with the Cuban national team. Additionally, he was a five-time Intercontinental Cup champion and a three-time Pan American and Central American champion. His legacy includes 30 victories and only one defeat in international events.
What style of pitching and skills characterized Jorge Luis Valdés on the mound?
Jorge Luis Valdés was known for his excellent control and variety of pitches, including a fastball reaching 90 miles per hour, a changeup, slider, curveball, and especially the knuckleball. His mastery in surprising hitters made him an almost untouchable pitcher.
What are the most impressive statistics of Jorge Luis Valdés in the Cuban national series?
In the national series, Jorge Luis Valdés accumulated 234 victories, 46 shutouts, and an earned run average of 3.13 over 3,134 innings pitched. He also achieved 1,982 strikeouts, showcasing his dominance in Cuban baseball for two decades.
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