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Cuban baseball received the sad news this Thursday about the passing of Pedro Arozarena Zayas, former first baseman and outfielder for the Vaqueros de La Habana, at the age of 54, reported various specialized websites.
Born on June 8, 1971, in El Mariel, Arozarena had been struggling with serious kidney problems; in fact, a brother of his even donated a kidney to try to improve his health, reported CubitaNow.
The news was confirmed by independent sports media, such as the page on Cuba Grand Slam, which highlighted that the former player won the affection of the fans in the capital due to his discipline and offensive power.
Arozarena was part of that feared lineup of the Vaqueros led by Pedro Luis Rodríguez and later Esteban Lombillo; he shared the team with iconic players such as Rolando Laza and Rigoberto Blanco.
Although his career in the National Series was not extensive, he left behind respectable numbers: 128 home runs, 608 RBIs, and an offensive average of .296, statistics that earned him several selections to the national pre-teams
His best campaigns came in the early years of the new millennium; in 2002, he hit 19 home runs, and in 2003, he reached 20, reaffirming himself as one of the strongest hitters in the league.
Between 2001 and 2003, he recorded three consecutive seasons with 70 or more runs batted in, solidifying his reputation as a reliable run producer
His debut in the National Series occurred in 1995, after excelling in the junior categories and being part of the Cuban youth team that competed in the 1989 World Championship in Canada, reported Swing Completo.
During 13 seasons with La Habana, he accumulated 980 hits, including 174 doubles, 13 triples, and 129 home runs, and he produced 603 runs.
In February 2003, he achieved one of his most remembered feats by hitting three home runs against the pitching of Isla de la Juventud at the 26 de Julio Stadium in Artemisa. That same year, he led the XL National Series in doubles, showcasing his ability to hit with power and consistency.
Arozarena retired from active baseball in 2007, but his legacy endures among those who watched him play. Beyond the statistics, he will be remembered for his nobility, humility, and unwavering dedication to the sport.
His passing adds to the losses that have cast a pall over Cuban sports in 2025 and leaves a void in the memories of fans of the Vaqueros de La Habana and those who cherished his powerful swing.
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