This was the final farewell to Jorge Luis Valdés, a legend of Cuban baseball

The funeral took place at the Victoria de Girón stadium in Matanzas.

Funeral of Cuban ex-pitcher Jorge Luis "Tati" ValdésPhoto © Ramón Pacheco Salazar

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Baseball players, fans, former teammates, and the people of Matanzas gathered to give a final farewell to Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés, the legendary pitcher who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63.

The funeral ceremony for Valdés took place at the Victoria de Girón stadium in the capital of Matanzas.

Photo: Facebook / Periódico Girón / Ramón Pacheco Salazar

Baseball veterans gathered to pay tribute to the legendary "Golden Lefty" and shared anecdotes from their time spent with him.

Fernando Sánchez and Lázaro Junco. Photo: Facebook / Pucho Oroza
Gerardo "Sile" Junco and Armando Ferrer. Photo: Facebook / Pucho Oroza

"Many things can be said about Valdés. I had the opportunity to share time with him during 18 Series, and I can attest to the humility and nobility that characterized him; he was a person who had nothing for himself and was always willing to help," reported the former right-handed batter Lázaro Junco, a glory of Cuban sports, to the newspaper Girón.

Facebook Capture / Girón Newspaper

"The first baseball shoes, brand Mizuno, were given to me by Tati when I was just a kid on that Henequeneros team full of stars, and it wasn't unusual for that to happen, as he used to bring small gifts for the players after returning from trips with the Cuban national team," said former outfielder Wilfredo Menéndez.

Photo: Facebook / Girón Newspaper / Ramón Pacheco Salazar

For his part, former pitcher Lázaro Garro spoke about the nicknames by which Tati Valdés was known, including "el majá," due to his remarkable flexibility that allowed him to even place his legs over his shoulders.

Photo: Facebook / Girón Newspaper / Ramón Pacheco Salazar

The venue where the funeral took place was filled with photos of the dictator Fidel Castro, a great lover of baseball.

Photo: Facebook / Periódico Girón / Ramón Pacheco Salazar
Photo: Facebook / Periódico Girón / Ramón Pacheco Salazar

Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the First Secretary of the Communist Party in the province, attended, and wreaths were sent from the Government, the Party, and INDER.

So far, the causes of the death of Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés, one of the greatest Cuban pitchers of all time, have not been revealed.

Born in Jovellanos, Matanzas, he was an Olympic champion in Barcelona 1992 and a four-time world champion: Havana 1984, Netherlands 1986, Italy 1988, and Edmonton 1990.

In addition, he was a five-time champion of the Intercontinental Cup, a three-time Pan American and Central American champion, and in 1990 he won two games without losses to secure the Gold in the Goodwill Games.

In total, in international events with the Cuban team, he accumulated 30 victories and only one defeat.

With his Matanzas team, Henequeneros, he was the national champion in 1990 and 1991, and each time he led in victories (19).

Frequently Asked Questions about Jorge Luis Valdés, a Legend of Cuban Baseball

Who was Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés and what was his legacy in Cuban baseball?

Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés was one of the greatest Cuban pitchers of all time, known for his skill and generous spirit. Born in Jovellanos, Matanzas, Valdés was an Olympic champion in Barcelona 1992 and a four-time world champion. During his career with the national team, he amassed 30 wins and only one loss in international events, standing out as a cornerstone of Cuban baseball.

What were Jorge Luis Valdés's most notable achievements in international baseball?

Jorge Luis Valdés was the Olympic champion in Barcelona 1992 and won the world championship four times in Havana 1984, Holland 1986, Italy 1988, and Edmonton 1990. Additionally, he was a five-time Intercontinental Cup champion and a three-time Pan American and Central American champion. His record in international competitions is impressive with 30 victories and only one defeat.

How was the farewell to Jorge Luis Valdés in Matanzas?

The final farewell to Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés took place at the Victoria de Girón stadium in Matanzas, with the presence of players, fans, former teammates, and the people of Matanzas in general. The ceremony was marked by memories of his humility and kindness, and notable figures from baseball came to pay their respects.

Why was Jorge Luis Valdés known as "el majá" and "the Golden Lefty"?

Jorge Luis Valdés was known as "el majá" due to his great elasticity, which allowed him to perform extraordinary movements on the field, such as putting his legs over his shoulders. Additionally, he was nicknamed "the Golden Lefty" in recognition of his skill as a left-handed pitcher and his outstanding performance in both Cuban and international baseball.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.