Unsung Hero of Santiago de Cuba: From Groundskeeper to Avispa Mascot

Alan Morales Pacheco holds a unique dual role at the Guillermón Moncada Stadium in Santiago de Cuba. He begins his day by meticulously preparing the baseball field and later dons the Avispa costume to energize the Santiago team’s fans.

This remarkable story was highlighted by sports commentator Pavel Otero on his Facebook page, where he referred to Morales as "an unsung hero with dual roles for the Santiago team."

According to Otero, Morales Pacheco has dedicated 25 years to maintaining the grounds of Guillermón Moncada and, for the past 13 years, has also brought the beloved Santiago de Cuba mascot to life.

Behind the Scenes at the Stadium

Morales is the first to arrive at the stadium, tasked with watering the field, painting the lines, compacting the pitcher's mound, and grooming the grass to ensure it’s game-ready. Once these duties are complete, he transitions seamlessly into his role as the Avispa mascot.

"He then dons the Avispa outfit to continue his double role," Otero noted, emphasizing Morales's dedication and hard work.

Not only does Morales work as a groundskeeper and mascot, but he also serves as a ball boy at the stadium. "He never stops working," Otero added in subsequent comments on his post.

Community Recognition and Support

The story has elicited numerous accolades from fans, who admire both the physical demands of Morales's roles and his long-standing commitment to Santiago baseball. "These are the true heroes without capes," one fan commented.

Another admirer praised his versatility, calling him "a true jack-of-all-trades." There have been calls for greater recognition of Morales's work: "His sacrifice deserves acknowledgment, better attention, and a good salary," someone suggested.

One supporter expressed, "Many blessings to him; he deserves recognition in a full stadium."

The Mascot's Memorable Moments

The Avispa of Santiago has been at the center of memorable events for fans. In June 2024, after Santiago de Cuba secured an 8-6 victory over Industriales, thanks to Harold Vásquez's ninth-inning home run, the Avispa’s antics caught attention. During the celebration, the mascot ran toward home plate and dove headfirst, causing the large red head of the costume to detach. The person inside, likely Morales given the timeline, quickly retrieved and reattached it.

Morales’s story is reminiscent of others who have long been the faces behind Cuba's beloved baseball mascots. In 2018, the tale of Osvaldo Reyes Pérez, known as "Chicho," came to light. He balanced his job as an operator at the Todo en Uno amusement park in Varadero with giving life to the Matanzas Crocodile.