Iván Alonso, an iconic Cuban sports commentator and an inseparable figure of the now-defunct Metropolitanos team, passed away at the age of 79 after a prolonged heart condition.
Her death was confirmed by journalist Yasel Porto, a close friend and colleague for many years, who publicly expressed his deep sorrow over the loss.
Alonso was one of the most recognized and beloved voices in Cuban sports journalism, with a career that solidified at the capital station COCO and at the Latinoamericano Stadium, where he began his journey in 1984.
Although he never shone as a player, he was a passionate baseball fan from a young age, and found his path in commentary and statistics, two areas where he made a mark.
His training was influenced by prominent figures such as the storyteller Lázaro Ramírez and, particularly, by the statistician Mario Valdés, regarded as the best in his field in Cuba.
Thanks to that legacy, Alonso first became an official scorer and then, at the age of 50, transitioned to commentary after completing a professional course.
His connection with the Metropolitanos, whom he narrated during their best and worst moments, was deep and sentimental, notably highlighted by the memorable comeback against Matanzas, which marked a milestone in his career.
Iván was also the host and creator of "Tribuna Deportiva," a program that aired for over two decades, with a loyal community of listeners known as 'tribuneros.'
The space, a blend of analysis, debate, and sports fervor, transcends its legacy in Cuban radio.
Beyond his technical and narrative contributions, Alonso was a staunch advocate for a unified Cuban national team, openly criticizing the exclusion of players participating in foreign leagues, a stance he maintained until his final days.
He strongly opposed the dismantling of the Metropolitanos in 2012, arguing that it resulted in the loss of an essential part of Havana's baseball identity.
After his retirement, he continued to participate in radio projects and maintained his activity from home, especially during the pandemic, when he found refuge in statistics both personally and professionally.
His passing has generated an avalanche of heartfelt messages from colleagues, fans, and listeners who remember his passion, his warmth, and his unmistakable voice.
Yasel Porto, in announcing the news on his social media, bid farewell with heartfelt words: "Today I have lost more than a friend and a father. Another part of my being has gone away with Iván."
The journalist also shared an image of Alonso's coffin, adorned with his cap and shirt from the Metropolitanos and the COCO, along with medals from the renowned COCO-Olympics organized alongside the listeners of "Tribuna Deportiva."
Although Porto lamented that the funeral did not match the affection and popularity that Alonso earned, he emphasized that the emotional impact and the public's response were "impressive and gratifying" amid the sorrow.
The burial took place this Tuesday at 9:30 am at the Colón cemetery.
With his departure, Cuban baseball loses one of its most authentic and passionate voices, but his legacy will continue to resonate in every narration and in every story told with respect and love for the sport.
Frequently asked questions about Iván Alonso and his legacy in Cuban baseball
Who was Iván Alonso and what was his contribution to Cuban baseball?
Iván Alonso was a prominent Cuban sports commentator known for his work with the COCO station and his deep connection with the Metropolitanos baseball team. His career began in 1984, and he excelled as a commentator and statistician, leaving a significant mark on Cuban sports journalism.
What legacy did Iván Alonso leave in the program "Tribuna Deportiva"?
"Tribuna Deportiva" was a program hosted and created by Iván Alonso that aired for more than two decades. It became a space for analysis, debate, and sporting passion that managed to gather a loyal community of listeners known as "tribuneros." Its legacy transcends as a benchmark in Cuban radio.
What was Iván Alonso's stance on the inclusion of Cuban players in foreign leagues?
Iván Alonso was a strong advocate for the inclusion of Cuban players in foreign leagues. He openly criticized the exclusion of these players from the Cuban national team, maintaining this stance until his final days. He believed that a unified national team was essential for Cuba's baseball identity.
What impact did the death of Iván Alonso have on the Cuban sports community?
The death of Iván Alonso generated an avalanche of emotional messages from colleagues, fans, and listeners who remembered his passion, human warmth, and unmistakable voice. His passing represents a significant loss for Cuban baseball, but his legacy will continue to resonate in every narration and story told with love for the sport.
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