Former Pinar del Río pitcher José Ariel Contreras and ex-second baseman Yobal Dueñas have paid tribute to the legendary Havana pitcher Lázaro de la Torre, highlighting his outstanding contributions to Cuban baseball.
In a Facebook video shared by the sports outlet Swing Completo, Contreras—a prominent figure in Cuba's National Series and later in Major League Baseball—recalled the fierce competitiveness and innate talent of the historic Industriales' starting pitcher, describing him as a formidable opponent who was incredibly hard to hit.
"No one could bat against him," Contreras stated.
He reminisced about a memorable 14-inning duel they both pitched, showcasing the endurance and resilience of the Havana native, popularly known as the "Iron Arm."
Meanwhile, Yobal Dueñas, a legend from Pinar del Río and the Cuban national teams, humorously recounted that encounter: "He struck me out four times that day. Four mugs of beer I had. There was just no way to hit the ball," the former second baseman admitted, emphasizing the prowess of the Havana pitcher.
The Enduring Legacy of Lázaro de la Torre
Born on October 10, 1957, in Havana, Lázaro de la Torre was one of the most dominant and respected pitchers during the 1980s and 1990s.
He began his career with the Metropolitanos before establishing himself as a star starter for the Industriales, known for his bravery, discipline, and combative spirit.
Nicknamed the "Iron Arm" for his ability to pitch complete games and remarkable physical stamina, De la Torre's statistics rank him among the top five pitchers in Cuban amateur baseball history, boasting 208 victories, 161 complete games, and 1,716 strikeouts.
The Storied Career of a Baseball Icon
Throughout his extensive career, he secured international gold medals at the Pan American Games in Caracas 1983 and Indianapolis 1987, the Intercontinental Cups in Belgium 1983 and Edmonton 1985, and the Central American and Caribbean Games in Havana 1982.
He was also a national champion with the Industriales in 1986 and 1992.
Even after not being selected for the Cuban team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, De la Torre continued to display his greatness on the mound. In 2001, at 42 years old, he pitched three consecutive days against Pinar del Río to tie a historic playoff, reaffirming his indomitable character.
The Inspirational "Iron Arm"
De la Torre was a paragon of discipline, rigor, and total dedication to the sport. His work ethic became a model for future generations of pitchers.
He was often seen training independently, running and working out without waiting for instructions from his coaches, which solidified his reputation as a natural competitor.
Insights into Lázaro de la Torre's Impact
Why was Lázaro de la Torre known as the "Iron Arm"?
Lázaro de la Torre earned the nickname "Iron Arm" due to his extraordinary endurance and ability to pitch complete games, coupled with his physical resilience.
What were some of Lázaro de la Torre's career achievements?
De la Torre's career highlights include international gold medals at the Pan American Games, Intercontinental Cups, and Central American and Caribbean Games, as well as national championships with the Industriales.
How did Lázaro de la Torre influence future generations of pitchers?
His work ethic and independent training regimen made him a role model for upcoming pitchers, inspiring them with his dedication and competitive spirit.