Matanzas-born pitcher Armando Dueñas, currently playing in Venezuela's Major League Baseball, has assured Cuban sports journalist Pavel Otero that all Cuban players contracted in the Andean nation are unharmed following the twin earthquakes that rattled the central-northern region on June 24.
Dueñas recounted experiencing the terrifying event inside La Guaira Stadium, describing it as "the most unpleasant experience of my life."
According to his account, he was in the clubhouse without a shirt when an earthquake alert flashed on his phone. "Suddenly, a piece of the grandstand fell near me, and everything started shaking. It was chaos, Pavel," he recounted.
He said he sprinted onto the field, shirtless and only in his baseball pants, and witnessed the hotel housing visiting team family members collapse completely. He shared this harrowing experience with the journalist via WhatsApp messages.
Playing alongside fellow Cuban Yusniel Padrón for the Samanes de Aragua, Dueñas confirmed that none of his Cuban teammates in the league were injured. "Thank God, I wasn't harmed, but I'll never forget this," he added.
Dueñas mentioned arranging his return to Cuba through Valencia's airport, the only available option after the indefinite closure of Maiquetía International Airport, whose runway was destroyed. The San Sebastián fault line runs directly beneath this infrastructure, worsening the structural damage.
The Aftermath of Venezuela's Devastating Earthquakes
The earthquakes, occurring just 39 seconds apart, had their epicenter in Yaracuy state and are considered the strongest recorded in Venezuela in over a century. La Guaira state was declared a disaster zone, with over 100 buildings completely destroyed and more than 70,000 families left homeless.
Casualty figures vary, with official numbers from Nicolás Maduro's regime citing 589 deaths, while the National Assembly reports 920 fatalities and over 3,360 injuries. Additionally, there have been more than 302 aftershocks recorded, including a 4.9 magnitude tremor on Saturday.
Within this context, at least 29 Cubans are reported missing in areas of La Guaira such as Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales, while two Cuban children remain unaccounted for following the earthquakes.
Cuba’s medical mission in Venezuela confirmed that all its members are safe and have joined rescue efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
Impact on Professional Baseball
The Venezuelan Major League Baseball season for 2026 has been permanently canceled, having completed 53 of the 70 scheduled games per team. The league has committed to honoring the financial contracts of all players, including the Cuban athletes, up to the expected conclusion date of the regular season.
FAQs on the Venezuelan Earthquakes and Cuban Players
How did the Cuban players in Venezuela fare during the earthquakes?
All Cuban players in Venezuela were reported safe and unharmed following the earthquakes, as confirmed by pitcher Armando Dueñas.
What was the extent of the damage caused by the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes resulted in significant destruction, particularly in La Guaira state, with over 100 buildings destroyed and more than 70,000 families affected. The official death toll varies, with estimates ranging from 589 to 920 casualties.
What actions are being taken by the Cuban medical mission in Venezuela?
The Cuban medical mission has confirmed the safety of all its members and is actively participating in rescue operations in the most affected areas.