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A sad piece of news has brought sorrow this Monday to Pinar del Río, particularly to the baseball community and the fans of the Vegueros team: the passing of Maybelis Meléndez Sierra, wife of former Pinar del Río pitcher Yosvany Álvarez Urbay, due to leukemia.
Maybelis, affectionately known as "La Pepa," was only 30 years old and the mother of a seven-year-old daughter, the result of her marriage to the former pitcher of the Pinar del Río team. Her death has caused deep distress among her family, friends, and the community, following the prolonged battle she fought against the terrible illness.
"My right hand, my companion, my everything, my Maybelis Meléndez Sierra is gone. As I affectionately called her, I always said 'my old lady,' you will always be with me, wherever you are. My old lady, now it's your turn to watch over us and guide us from wherever you are. Muaaaaaa, I will always love you, your Yosvany," was the heartfelt message Álvarez dedicated to his wife on social media.
The young woman's passing was confirmed on Monday by the Pinar del Río journalist and narrator Osbel Benítez Polo, who praised Maybelis's strength in overcoming cancer and her unwavering love and dedication to her husband and daughter.
“She leaves behind a little girl of just seven years old. A child who is just beginning to live. She who supported her husband at every sporting event. She, who was not only a companion but also a shoulder when he faltered, was present in his absences, was there to cry on when needed. She, La Pepa, will no longer be here, at least in this earthly realm, because her spirit will continue its journey from Pinar to the Port, from stadium to stadium,” wrote Benítez in a chronicle published on Facebook.
“Today, simply after battling face to face with death, she did not lose the fight, but rather decided to embark on a journey, conceding to the suffering that leukemia brings,” she stated in her heartfelt message. “A warrior has departed, and when that happens, gentlemen, we must not allow ourselves to cry; let us stand up and applaud, damn it, because an Olympic champion has left us.”
The reporter also highlighted the collaboration of athletes from Pinar, particularly that of the pitcher's teammates, to secure blood donations and assist with Maybelis's medical treatment.
Family, close friends, and teammates of Álvarez have shared messages on social media in tribute to Maybelis's strength and courage, expressing their deep sorrow over her early passing.
Right-handed pitcher Yosvany Álvarez Urbay played for the Pinar del Río team in six National Series since his debut in 2013. He pitched 505 innings in 98 games, achieving six wins, 10 losses, and one save. He struck out 100 batters and recorded an earned run average (ERA) of 5.56 and a WHIP of 1.47.
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