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Roberto Jiménez, known to everyone as Misifú, never wore a baseball uniform, but for over three decades he was a symbol of baseball in Villa Clara, the invisible soul of the Sandino stadium.
The story was recently shared on Facebook by the official spokesperson Henry Omar Pérez, who recalled how fans chanted, “Misifú, pick up the bats, this is over,” as he walked onto the field with his cheeky smile.
His presence was as habitual as home runs or applause, earning a place in the affection of the people.
However, the official spokesperson acknowledged that although Misifú has been away from baseball for years, he walks every day to the center of Santa Clara to sell cardboard boxes, another example of the elderly abandoned by the regime.
First, he was in front of the candy store on San Cristóbal Street; now, he is on Céspedes. His pace is slow, but the greetings don't miss: “That's Misifú!” can be heard among the neighbors.
For 33 years, this small man with a lively gaze was a privileged witness to the golden moments of Villa Clara baseball. He sold newspapers as a young man, dreamed of the diamond, but life placed him elsewhere: alongside the heroes of the field.
He was present at memorable feats, such as Agustín Marquetti's home run, and was part of every celebration, bringing the bats and the team's energy.
For the fans, Misifú was more than just a bat boy: he was the heart of baseball, an idol without a glove or bat, but with the respect of an entire province.
"Without him, the Sandino was not the same," say those who saw him run through the field. Today, he remains a vibrant part of Santa Clara's popular memory.
“God did everything for baseball, now it's Santa Clara's turn,” Pérez wrote.
Many wonder if he is officially recognized yet, but the truth is that Misifú is already, for many, a Glory of Cuban Sports.
The story of Misifú, the legendary batboy of the Villa Clara team, is not an isolated case in Cuban baseball. His quiet journey through the Sandino stadium for over three decades reflects the many men who, without an official uniform, left their mark on the national sport.
Similar cases have come to light in recent years. In 2022, help was requested for a well-known bat boy from Industriales, now retired, whose story sparked a wave of solidarity among fans in the capital.
A year later, assistance was once again requested for the former collaborator of the blue team for being unprotected after decades of silent dedication to Havana baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Legend of Misifú in Villa Clara Baseball
Who was Misifú in Villa Clara baseball?
Misifú, whose real name is Roberto Jiménez, was a symbol of baseball in Villa Clara despite not being a player. For over three decades, his presence was a constant at the Sandino stadium, where he was known for his role in collecting bats and being an essential part of the team, bringing energy and encouragement to the group. His figure is fondly and respectfully remembered by sports fans.
How is Misifú remembered by baseball fans?
Misifú is remembered as the heart of Villaclare baseball, an idol without a glove or bat, but with the respect of an entire province. Baseball fans chanted his name and celebrated his presence on the field, seeing him as a privileged witness to the golden moments of the sport in the region.
What has happened to Misifú since his retirement from baseball?
Currently, Misifú is dedicated to selling cardboard boxes in Santa Clara. Despite being away from baseball, his presence remains popular and he is affectionately greeted by neighbors who recognize him as a living part of the city's popular memory.
Has Misifú been officially recognized as a Glory of Cuban Sports?
Although many wonder if he has been officially recognized yet, the reality is that Misifú is considered by many a Glory of Cuban Sports due to his contribution to baseball in Villa Clara and his positive impact on the sports community.
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