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Cuban baseball has been shaken by a violent incident involving the manager of the Gallos de Sancti Spíritus, Eriel Sánchez, and the technical commissioner Miguel Rojas.
After the news circulated on social media and in the press this Monday, Eriel has decided to share his version of the events in an interview with the newspaper Escambray, where he stated that he does not justify his actions but asks to be heard in regard to his truth.
"Due to the number of people who also appreciate me and call me, amazed by the significance of this situation, of which I was unaware because, as I have mentioned before, I don't use Facebook. However, I researched it, and I found what is happening to be shocking. I believe it is necessary for my side to be heard, without justifying even a bit of what has occurred, because the truth is we are not here to justify wrongdoing or mistakes," he stated to the mentioned media outlet.
The start of the altercation: A controversial play
Everything escalated during the eighth inning of the game between Sancti Spíritus and Isla de la Juventud on Saturday, September 27. According to Sánchez:
“The bases are loaded, a fly to left field is hit, and the outfielder misses the ball... The home plate umpire clearly signals that the run counts... I’m counting those six runs, which makes it six to three... Then they tell me the score is five to four... What I don’t understand is why the rule wasn’t applied right at that moment, but rather afterward.”
That late modification of the score caused discontent in the spirit of the team from Sancti Spíritus, even though they ultimately won the match. It was then that Sánchez decided to confront Rojas.
The verbal encounter with Miguel Rojas
The spark that ignited the fire was a phrase filled with annoyance, uttered in the heat of the moment:
"I bend down in front of him at the fence and say, in very peculiar phrases: 'Hey, buddy, instead of being ready for the nonsense of food... what you should be ready for is what's happening here...'. When I spoke to him that way, it seems Rojas didn't take it in and responded to me with a curse."
What followed was a disjointed and uncontrollable exchange.
“We both offended our mothers”, acknowledged the manager from Sancti Spíritus.
According to him, Rojas even challenged him: “Rojitas dared me to come in and fight.”
The Incident in the Office: Violence and Consequences
After a tense calm, when everything seemed to have cooled down, the worst happened.
Eriel Sánchez recounts that about 30 minutes after the game, while he was in his office, Rojas abruptly entered and confronted him:
"At no point did he say anything about us talking. He goes straight to where I am and tells me something like he's upset about what we said about the mothers. He slaps me, I respond, I throw something at him, and he hits a table that's there and falls down."
Sánchez claims that his reaction was in self-defense and denies having used a bat
"When I see that he has an object in his hand, for defense, I grab a stick... and I throw that stick over and hit him on the hand... I can't say for sure if the injury was caused by the stick or by the table... I want to clarify that it was not with a bat as they say."
Self-criticism and remorse
Aware of the magnitude of the situation, Sánchez appears embarrassed:
"I feel sorry, embarrassed about everything that has happened… It's a colleague from Sancti Spíritus, someone I've never had any kind of problems with… I feel bad, but even more so about the things that are being said."
He insists that he did not premeditate the act and that his intention was never to cause harm.
"I have never in my life been capable of attempting to harm someone's health... even if this aggression arose from reasons I have already explained, and whose consequences are not measured in the heat of the moment," he affirmed.
Networks, reputation, and punishment
The director is aware of the public judgment that has arisen after the incident: “It hurts to be labeled a murderer, a coward, and many things that I am not… To those who still value my reputation even a little, I would like to preserve it and not lose it.”
It also acknowledges that it is at the mercy of the decisions made by the National Baseball Commission.
“I am awaiting that decision, and I find it fair that it be analyzed, but I hope that it is done by all relevant spheres and investigations, without overlooking any responsibilities,” he stated.
And it refers to the requests for a final sanction against him: “Many are saying that I should not lead anymore... I believe they should base their judgments on the facts... We are not going to sanction Eriel now because we need to ask for his head and set an example”.
The context: Two opposing glories
The case was initially revealed by social media and later confirmed by Escambray.
According to witnesses, the argument between Sánchez and Rojas intensified after the controversial play and ended with Rojas injured in the head, who had to be treated at the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial Hospital, where he received five stitches.
The provincial director of Sports, Laidalí Santana, recounted what happened with a striking phrase: “By the time I came to see, the head was already broken.”
Miguel Rojas stated that he was hit with "a piece of a bat" and that he could barely speak before the impact. Both had to appear before the police due to the injuries caused.
The National Baseball Commission broke its silence and stated on X that the Disciplinary Commission is reviewing the incident involving both figures. It also clarified that they will not take action in the 64 SNB until the measures to be applied are determined.
The reactions were swift. Journalist Yasel Porto stated that the incident “justifies a definitive expulsion from Cuban baseball,” and described it as “a turning point” in the recent history of the national sport.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Incident between Eriel Sánchez and Miguel Rojas
What caused the altercation between Eriel Sánchez and Miguel Rojas?
The altercation originated from a controversial play during the match between Sancti Spíritus and Isla de la Juventud, which led to a late change on the scoreboard, creating discontent among the Sancti Spíritus team. This incident escalated into a verbal exchange and later into a physical confrontation.
What was the outcome of the physical confrontation between Sánchez and Rojas?
As a result of the physical confrontation, Miguel Rojas was injured on the head and required medical attention, receiving five stitches. Both parties involved have been temporarily suspended from their duties in the National Series until the disciplinary measures to be applied are determined.
What measures has the National Baseball Commission taken regarding the incident?
The National Baseball Commission has suspended Eriel Sánchez and Miguel Rojas from their duties in the 64th National Baseball Series while an investigation is underway to determine the appropriate penalties.
What has been the public reaction to the incident between Sánchez and Rojas?
The public reaction has been one of great outrage, with journalists and fans calling for exemplary sanctions to prevent future incidents of violence in Cuban baseball. Some believe that the incident marks a turning point in sports discipline in Cuba.
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