Sports journalist Pavel Otero has brought to light the dilapidated state of the Mario Pedroso Baseball Stadium in Bejucal, a municipality in the province of Mayabeque. The once-thriving venue now sits with its field overtaken by weeds, its facade crumbling, and stands falling apart.
In a Facebook post, Otero tagged the Cuban sports authority INDER and Canal Caribe, sharing five photographs that vividly capture the stadium's decline.
"Is it really that hard to clear the field? Isn't there anyone nearby with a mower who could be hired? Is letting the grass grow and turning the stadium into a pasture the only option?" Otero questioned in his post.
The journalist argued that the issue stems from a lack of willpower rather than resources, comparing the situation to other facilities that remain in decent shape. "Despite the current tough conditions in our country, I've seen excellent examples of well-maintained, cleared, and painted baseball fields. I can't understand why some manage to maintain their facilities while others don't," he stated.
His conclusion was blunt: "Some seek solutions, while others only find excuses."
Otero also highlighted the societal repercussions of such neglect: "A sports facility overrun with weeds is a door we're closing to healthy recreation for young people and the proper use of their free time; at the same time, it's a door we're opening to vandalism and less wholesome activities."
The stadium is named after Mario Pedroso Rodríguez, affectionately called "el Yeje," a teacher and promoter of baseball in Bejucal. Originally opened in 1960, it underwent a complete rebuild in 1980 and received new stands in 1982. It plays a vital role in the community for local baseball, as the main stadium for Mayabeque's National Series is the Nelson Fernández in San José de las Lajas.
This incident is not isolated. Throughout 2026, there has been a documented trend of neglect in sports facilities across Cuba: the Raúl Díaz Argüelles Sports Complex in Havana, the Río Cristal Recreational Complex in Boyeros, the Jesús Suárez Gayol Stadium in Mariel, and the Pity Fajardo Sports School in Santiago de Cuba all face similar issues of overgrowth, rust, and structural decay.
The crisis extends to youth competitions as well. In May 2026, the National Baseball Commission canceled national championships for the Under-12, Under-15, and Under-18 categories due to the energy crisis and fuel shortages for interprovincial transportation, leaving hundreds of young baseball players without competition for months.
Bejucal is also grappling with widespread urban decay. Early in 2026, the town was described as almost deserted, with colonial buildings on the verge of collapse and trash piling up in the streets, a situation worsened by new waste sites documented in August.
In 2022, even INDER admitted that just 27 out of 273 swimming pools in the country were operational, a mere 9.8% of the total, underscoring the extensive structural decline that has plagued Cuban sports for years.
Key Issues Facing Cuban Sports Facilities
What is the current state of the Mario Pedroso Baseball Stadium in Bejucal?
The Mario Pedroso Baseball Stadium in Bejucal is in a state of neglect, with its field covered in weeds, a deteriorating facade, and ruined stands.
Why is the neglect of sports facilities in Cuba a significant issue?
Neglect of sports facilities in Cuba limits opportunities for healthy recreation and can lead to increased vandalism and less wholesome activities among youth. It also reflects a broader pattern of infrastructure decline.
How has the sports infrastructure crisis impacted youth baseball competitions in Cuba?
The crisis has led to the cancellation of national baseball championships for various youth age groups due to energy and transportation challenges, hindering the development of young athletes.