Dominican Baseball Federation asks for help for Cuban players affected by Hurricane Melissa

The Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOM) called for solidarity with Cuban baseball players after the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in several provinces of the island.

In a statement released this Monday, the organization urged leaders, athletes, and personalities from Dominican baseball to join a collection of sports clothing and footwear aimed at supporting Cuban players facing difficult times.

"We request the support of our baseball family through the donation of clothing and footwear intended for the female baseball players of Cuba and the male players affected," the FEDOM note states, also expressing gratitude to those who choose to contribute.

Although no officially reported players have been affected, many members of the Cuban teams live in areas severely impacted by the hurricane in the eastern part of the country.

The rains and strong winds from Melissa caused the temporary suspension of several matches in the National Series, including the games between Holguín-Artemisa, Santiago de Cuba-Sancti Spíritus, and Granma-Mayabeque, which were scheduled to take place this Tuesday.

In the case of Holguín, the provincial baseball commissioner, Irochi Bartutis, confirmed that the team is facing multiple absences due to health issues and personal situations affecting several players, in addition to the injury of pitcher Wilson Paredes, who suffered a clavicle fracture in an accident that occurred in the city.

Despite the difficulties, the baseball players from Holguín traveled to Havana to continue their training at the Changa Mederos Stadium, awaiting the resumption of the series.

For their part, the Avispas of Santiago de Cuba are also dealing with the aftermath of Melissa. The Provincial Sports Directorate proposed that the team travel to Sancti Spíritus this Tuesday to begin Series 11 on Thursday, although the team is training under difficult conditions at the Guillermón Moncada Stadium, with a depleted roster and several players who have not yet been able to return.

According to journalist Rey Domínguez's report, the hurricane has impacted not only the team's logistics but also the personal situations of several athletes from Santiago, many of whom are cut off from communication due to the devastation caused by the event.

Despite the adversities, the team will travel to Yayabo with the aim of fulfilling the competitive schedule. "The mental health of the players must be a priority," the statement noted, reminding that it is the athletes who bear the weight of the effort and representation of their provinces on their shoulders.