Fans, fellow athletes, and the people of Matanzas gathered to bid a final farewell to Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés, a legendary pitcher who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. The funeral service took place at the Victoria de Girón stadium, located in the heart of Matanzas.
Numerous veteran baseball players attended to pay their respects to the iconic "Golden Lefty," sharing anecdotes from their time alongside him. "There is so much to say about Valdés. I had the privilege of sharing 18 Series with him, and I can attest to his humility and kindness; he was always willing to lend a helping hand," recounted former right-handed batter Lázaro Junco, a celebrated figure in Cuban sports, to the newspaper Girón.
Wilfredo Menéndez, a former outfielder, shared a touching memory: "Tati gave me my first Mizuno baseball shoes when I was just a youngster on that star-studded Henequeneros team. It wasn't uncommon for him to bring back small gifts for his teammates after returning from trips with the Cuban national team."
Meanwhile, ex-pitcher Lázaro Garro reminisced about the nicknames associated with Tati Valdés, including "el majá" due to his incredible flexibility, which allowed him to perform impressive feats like putting his legs over his shoulders.
The funeral venue was adorned with photos of Fidel Castro, a known baseball enthusiast. Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the first secretary of the Communist Party in the province, attended the service, and wreaths were sent by the Government, the Party, and the INDER.
As of now, the cause of Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés's death remains undisclosed. Born in Jovellanos, Matanzas, Valdés was an Olympic champion in Barcelona 1992 and a four-time world champion, achieving victories in Havana 1984, the Netherlands 1986, Italy 1988, and Edmonton 1990. He was also a five-time Intercontinental Cup champion, a three-time Pan American and Central American champion, and in 1990, he secured two wins without a loss for the Gold at the Goodwill Games. In total, he amassed 30 wins and only one loss in international events with the Cuban national team.
With his Matanzas team, Henequeneros, he was a national champion in 1990 and 1991, leading in victories (19) both times.
Legacy of Jorge Luis "Tati" Valdés
What were some of Jorge Luis Valdés's major achievements?
Jorge Luis Valdés was an Olympic champion in 1992, a four-time world champion, a five-time Intercontinental Cup winner, and secured multiple Pan American and Central American titles.
How did Valdés impact the Cuban baseball community?
Valdés was remembered for his humble and generous nature, often bringing gifts for his teammates and leaving a lasting impression on those he played with and mentored.