Ariel Pestano Jr., the son of legendary Cuban catcher Ariel Pestano, has requested to leave Cuban baseball and the country for good. Dairon Pérez Urbano, a journalist from the CMHW La Reina Radial del Centro radio station, revealed on his Facebook page that Pestano Jr., also a catcher like his father, and Leandro Turiño, 32, both from the Villa Clara team, have officially requested their release.
The information was confirmed by Ramón Moré, the manager of the Leopardos team. The departure of both players comes in the midst of the National Series, with the Villa Clara team fighting to rank among the top eight.
Players' Departure Amidst National Series
"Pestano will remain with the team until the last moment, while Turiño is no longer on the roster. Both departures were requested for leaving the country," the reporter detailed.
Pestano Jr., who debuted in the National Series in 2018, is expected to reunite in the United States with his girlfriend, identified on Instagram as Mary Elizundia, who has been living there for some time and is involved in modeling.
Journalist Robiel Vega from the specialist portal Swing Completo, believes that the departure of both players will be a significant loss for the orange team. "Ariel Pestano Jr. is one of the catchers still in Cuba with the greatest potential," he noted.
Meanwhile, Turiño, 32, who bats and throws right-handed, is one of the most experienced players on the team, with 11 seasons in Cuban baseball, including the 2013 season, the last time the Leopardos were national champions.
"Two more players join the long list of baseball players deciding to leave the country in search of a better future," he commented.
Implications of Cuban Baseball Players Leaving the Country
The departure of baseball players from Cuba continues to be a prominent issue. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this trend and its impact:
Why are Cuban baseball players leaving the country?
Many Cuban baseball players leave the country seeking better opportunities, financial stability, and a chance to play in more competitive leagues.
What impact does this have on Cuban baseball?
The departure of skilled players significantly weakens the teams and reduces the overall level of competition in the Cuban National Series.