After 20 seasons, Yeniet Pérez leaves Villa Clara and shakes up Cuban baseball

Pérez, a native of Remedios, leaves an indelible mark on the ninth team of Villa Clara. Over two decades, he amassed 1,068 hits, surpassed the barrier of 100 home runs (113), and became a benchmark of dedication and love for baseball in his province.

Yeniet PérezPhoto © Cubadebate/Ismael Francisco

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The Cuban baseball bids farewell to one of its emblematic players: Yeniet Pérez Romero, who, after 20 consecutive seasons wearing the Villa Clara jersey, will not be participating in the upcoming National Baseball Series.

The news was confirmed by the head coach of the Leopards, Ramón Moré, and the Provincial Baseball Commissioner, Rubén Alberto Mesa, according to the site Vanguardia.

By personal decision, Pérez, originally from Remedios, leaves an indelible mark on the Villa Clara team. Over two decades, he accumulated 1,068 hits, surpassed the 100 home run barrier (113), and became a symbol of dedication and passion for baseball in his province.

A personal and Solomon-like decision

"It was a decision made by the player himself," explained manager Ramón Moré, who acknowledged that Yeniet's absence will be a significant loss for the team. Despite being among the first 18 players called up for the initial preparation of the Leopardos, the veteran player ultimately chose not to continue his career in the Serie Nacional.

"After achieving significant figures, such as a thousand hits and over a hundred home runs, perhaps there were no more great goals left to reach," Moré assessed.

Other movements in Villa Clara

In addition to Pérez's departure, left-handed pitcher César Jesús Morales Rodríguez has also decided to pursue a different path in his sports career.

Not all news is bad: the lawyer Javier Mirabal Espinosa has shown interest in earning a spot in the preliminary selection, although there is still no official confirmation.

The preliminary list from Villa Clara for the 64th National Series includes 51 players, including those contracted in Japan and Italy, such as Cristian Rodríguez, Darío Sarduy, Osdany Rodríguez, Randy Cueto, and Eriel Carrillo, in addition to the well-known Freddy Asiel Álvarez.

It's worth noting that in recent months, several players have made the decision to distance themselves from Cuban baseball for various reasons. Without a doubt, each new absence impacts the level of a competition that is experiencing its worst moment in decades.

Frequently asked questions about the departure of Yeniet Pérez and the state of Cuban baseball

Why did Yeniet Pérez decide to leave the Villa Clara team?

Yeniet Pérez decided to leave the Villa Clara team after 20 seasons due to a personal decision, viewed as a wise choice by the team manager, Ramón Moré. The player felt that he had no significant goals left to achieve, having surpassed notable milestones such as one thousand hits and over one hundred home runs.

How has Yeniet Pérez's departure from the Villa Clara team impacted them?

The departure of Yeniet Pérez represents a significant loss for the Villa Clara team. Her 20-year career left an indelible mark on the Villa Clara lineup, making her a symbol of dedication and love for baseball in her province.

What other players have recently left Cuban baseball?

Recently, several players have left Cuban baseball, including Leonardo Moreira Herrera, Rafael Viñales, Denis Peña, Yordan Manduley Jr., and Jordan Pérez. These players are seeking opportunities in professional baseball outside the island, reflecting a crisis in the national sport due to the structural limitations of the Cuban system.

What are the consequences of the exodus of ballplayers for Cuban baseball?

The exodus of Cuban baseball players has created a deep crisis in national baseball. The departure of talent has diminished the level of competition, impacting a discipline that used to shine on the international stage. Economic conditions and the lack of international exposure continue to drive players abroad.

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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.