Related videos:
Pedro Medina Ayón, one of the greats of Cuban baseball, passed away on July 21 at the age of 72 due to severe medical complications.
The legendary former catcher of the Industriales team underwent surgery on July 14 due to an intestinal blockage. Although he initially managed to overcome that operation, this Monday he suffered a mesenteric thrombosis that required a second emergency surgery.
Despite the efforts of the medical team, it was not possible to save his life, as reported in recent hours by the official media Cubadebate.
Medina Ayón leaves an indelible mark on Cuban baseball, where he is recognized both for his achievements on the field and for his human legacy.
His name is indelibly etched in the collective memory of the country thanks to his offensive prowess, his quiet leadership, and his loyalty to the national jersey.
Sports career
Pedro Medina was born in Guanabacoa, Havana, on December 19, 1952. From a young age, he showed his talent on the “Quintín Bandera” baseball field in his hometown, standing out for his batting power.
His debut in the National Series was in 1972, and the following year he was already celebrating his first championship with the Industriales team, alongside great figures such as Rey Vicente Anglada and Julián Villar.
During his career as a catcher, Medina played 17 seasons in Cuba, representing teams such as Industriales, Metropolitanos, Habana, and Ciudad de La Habana.
In 1986, he was a key player in the historic championship won by the Industriales, in a final that was decided by the famous home run by Agustín Marquetti.
His individual statistics are a testament to his greatness: 1,456 games played, 221 home runs, 886 runs scored, 869 runs batted in, 948 walks received, an offensive average of .295, and an impressive defensive average of .987, as reported by the sports media Swing Completo.
He caught 331 runners out of 776 stolen base attempts, giving him an impressive 42.7% effectiveness rate behind the plate.
One of his most memorable moments occurred on December 15, 1987, when he hit three home runs in a single game at the Cristóbal Labra Stadium in Isla de la Juventud.
Brilliant international career
His talent led him to be part of the national team for nearly a decade. He participated in multiple international events, including the Central American and Caribbean Games of 1978, where he batted .385; the Amateur World Series that same year, with an offensive line of .316/.458/.421; and the Pan American Games of 1979, where he averaged .375.
In 1979, he led the Intercontinental Cup with an astonishing .462 batting average, being selected to the All-Star Game as a catcher.
In 1980, he once again dazzled in the Amateur World Series with a .452 batting average.
But it was in 1981, during the Intercontinental Cup in Edmonton, Canada, where he wrote his most legendary chapter. In that tournament, although Cuba did not win the gold, Medina came off the bench to hit a crucial home run that tied the game against Japan.
That hit not only made its mark in sports history, but also earned him the nickname "The Hero of Edmonton." In that tournament, he batted .357.
Work as a coach
After retiring as a player in 1988, Medina stayed away from baseball for a few years.
He returned as head coach in 1996, leading the Industriales to the national championship in his first season as manager, defeating the then-dominant Villa Clara team.
He remained in charge of the team for two more seasons, consistently qualifying for the playoffs.
His knowledge and experience also took him to coach outside of Cuba. In 1997, he led the Italian national team in the Intercontinental Cup held in Barcelona, achieving a respectable sixth place.
Later, he coached the Italian club Grosseto, leading them to the national title in 2004.
Additionally, he collaborated with the Technical Baseball Commission of Havana and shared his knowledge with countries like Panama, leaving a lasting educational impact beyond Cuban borders.
Reactions to his/her passing
The passing of Pedro Medina Ayón has prompted a wave of heartfelt messages from figures in Cuban sports and culture, who expressed their respect and admiration for the legacy of the legendary number 31.
The former pitcher for Industriales and the Cuba team, René Arocha, described him as a "great friend" and "an idol for many generations, a very cheerful and charismatic guy."
"It has been an honor for me since I was a little kid and debuted in the national series to have the experience and wisdom of a catcher like Pedro Medina. This photo is from the 80-81 season when I was only 16 years old, receiving advice from Pedrín," he noted alongside a beautiful photo showing both of them talking on the field.
The journalist Yasser Porto, for his part, shared on social media the historic home run from Edmonton 1981 and wrote: "A tribute to the last great 'fallen'... One of the classic moments of Cuban baseball."
Ernesto Ruiz Faxas, a sports journalist, expressed his sorrow with words that encapsulate the feelings of many: "How sad… Pedro Medina has left us. A player who lives on in the annals of great achievements. I always keep in my soundtrack the names 'Azules' with that signature… 'Pedro Medina, #31… Catcher'." He added: "Tall, serious, but with a friendly face. An idol… always dangerous at the plate."
For the journalist Pavel Otero, the news has been particularly harsh due to his personal relationship with Medina.
"This afternoon darkened earlier than ever with the sudden passing of the great ballplayer Pedro Medina… It hurts me deeply because we had a very sincere friendship. Medina would always call me on my birthday, at the end of the year, on Journalist Day… We will never forget you," he wrote.
From the world of humor, heartfelt tributes also emerged.
The comedian Otto Ortiz remembered him with nostalgia and admiration: "We have lost a great figure in Cuban sports. As a catcher, he was outstanding; as a person, he was immense. Rest in peace, professor, you will remain with us."
The actor and comedian Omar Franco reminisced about his childhood at the stadium: "I still remember when I was a child, my father began taking me to the stadium, and I could see Pedro Medina's long home runs. I would join the roar of the stadium every time he connected for a homer."
On his part, the popular comedian Luis Silva was brief but pointed: "A glory of the Industriales team and of Cuba has passed away. Pedro Medina Ayón. Rest in peace."
In accordance with the wishes of Pedro Medina's family, his remains will be cremated and honored in an intimate ceremony.
His departure leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who admired him, both on and off the diamond.
Frequently asked questions about the career and legacy of Pedro Medina Ayón
Who was Pedro Medina Ayón in the world of Cuban baseball?
Pedro Medina Ayón was one of the great legends of Cuban baseball, known for his offensive power, quiet leadership, and loyalty to the national team. He played 17 seasons in Cuba and was part of the national team for nearly a decade, leaving an indelible legacy both on the field and in his role as a coach.
What were the standout moments of Pedro Medina's career?
Among the most memorable moments of his career, December 15, 1987, stands out, when Pedro Medina hit three home runs in a single game. Internationally, he is famous for his "Hero of Edmonton" in 1981, where he came off the bench to hit a decisive home run against Japan. He was also instrumental in the Industriales championship in 1986.
How was Pedro Medina's transition from player to coach?
After retiring in 1988, Medina stepped away from baseball for a time, but returned as a coach in 1996, leading Industriales to the national championship in his first season as manager. He also coached in Italy, where he guided the Grosseto club to the national title in 2004, and shared his knowledge with countries such as Panama.
What impact did the passing of Pedro Medina have on the Cuban sports community?
The passing of Pedro Medina triggered a wave of heartfelt messages from figures in Cuban sports and culture. Former colleagues, journalists, and comedians expressed their respect and admiration for his legacy, remembering him as an idol and an exceptional human being. His departure leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who admired him.
Filed under: