Family members, friends, and neighbors gathered to bid a final farewell to the mother of renowned Cuban baseball players Omar and Juan Carlos Linares, who passed away early Thursday morning. The Facebook page DPorto Sports LLC shared photos of the farewell to Francisca Izquierdo, who was laid to rest in her hometown of San Juan y Martínez, Pinar del Río.
The images from the cemetery show Juan Carlos Linares present, but his brother Omar is notably absent, likely due to his commitments in Japan, where he serves as a coach for the Chunichi Dragons.
According to journalist Osbel Benítez Polo from Pinar del Río, the 86-year-old matriarch suffered from an acute respiratory illness. He emphasized that the mother of Omar and Juan Carlos Linares had "the privilege of witnessing her sons excel in Cuban baseball" and was a "dedicated mother and grandmother."
Omar Linares is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. In 2016, he was hired to coach the Japanese team Chunichi Dragons, a team he played for from 2002 to 2004 at the end of his career. The "Niño Linares" spent his last three seasons in the Japanese league after being forced to retire from Cuban baseball.
In 2023, he extended his contract with the Chunichi Dragons.
FAQs about Omar and Juan Carlos Linares
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the late mother of Omar and Juan Carlos Linares and their careers.
Who was Francisca Izquierdo?
Francisca Izquierdo was the mother of Cuban baseball stars Omar and Juan Carlos Linares. She passed away at the age of 86 due to an acute respiratory illness.
Why wasn't Omar Linares present at his mother's funeral?
Omar Linares was likely absent from his mother's funeral because he is currently in Japan, where he serves as a coach for the Chunichi Dragons.
What is Omar Linares' connection to the Chunichi Dragons?
Omar Linares played for the Chunichi Dragons from 2002 to 2004 and returned in 2016 as a coach. He also extended his contract with the team in 2023.