The pitcher Hermes González, regarded as the best pitcher for the Elefantes de Cienfuegos, has decided to leave Cuban baseball after years of being overlooked by national selectors, according to a post by sports commentator Pavel Otero that has garnered significant attention on social media.
The turning point in González's history goes back to the 61st National Series, when he won 10 games with a Cienfuegos team that finished near the bottom of the tournament. "It was a true feat to achieve 10 victories and lead that department for almost the entire championship, with a roster that practically couldn't beat anyone," Otero wrote.
Despite that performance, the call-up to the Cuban team never came. "After that brilliant season, with shades of heroism, came the unexpected blow. Hermes González was not called up to the Cuban team. One of the many injustices in our baseball, which could fill a book of numerous pages," remarked the commentator.
Far from giving up, González continued to work. With the help of physical trainer Yariel Madrazo, he developed a high-quality breaking ball and increased his speed to peaks of 95 miles per hour, maintaining an average above 90. Several provinces requested him as a reinforcement. Still, the national team continued to act as if he did not exist.
"Hermes González is the number one pitcher from his province and is among the highest quality pitchers we have in the National Series; however, it’s as if he doesn’t exist when it comes to forming a national team," Otero pointed out.
At 31 years, González has run out of patience. According to the commentator, the sports authorities in Cienfuegos also made no effort to keep him: no one sat down to talk with him or tried to persuade him to stay. The result is that the pitcher plans to leave Cuba in search of opportunities elsewhere.
Otero emphasizes that this case is qualitatively different from that of other baseball players who emigrate in search of better contracts and then return to help their provinces. "In Hermes' case, just like with others in the country, he leaves because disillusionment has taken its toll on him," he wrote, describing the situation as "a defeat for our Series and our baseball."
The case of González highlights the institutional neglect towards those who support athletes: Otero pointed out that Yariel Madrazo, the physical trainer who contributed to the development of the thrower, "is also not taken into account," despite being, in his opinion, one of the most qualified in the country.
"Cienfuegos loses its best pitcher, and Cuba adds another injustice to the extensive book, which, if written, would have more pages than the novel The Count of Monte Cristo," concluded Pavel Otero.
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