New Insights into the Violent Assault on Former Cuban Pitcher Maikel Hidalgo Reyes

Fresh details have emerged regarding the violent assault and attempted murder of former Cuban pitcher Maikel Hidalgo Reyes, as reported this Sunday by U.S.-based journalist Yasel Porto. Porto, who initially brought the tragic incident to light, now provides additional context surrounding the event that nearly claimed the athlete's life.

According to Porto's Facebook page, "DPorto Sports LLC," Hidalgo Reyes is currently recuperating at his San Miguel del Padrón home from the life-threatening injuries he sustained. The attack occurred in Guanabo, specifically in the area known as "caballitos," where the former baseball player was ambushed by three assailants while he was on a work-related task.

During the assault, the attackers attempted to rob Hidalgo of his money and personal belongings. When he resisted, he was stabbed multiple times. Following the attack, he was rushed to Calixto García Hospital for emergency medical treatment. After several days of care, he was released to continue his recovery at home.

Porto emphasized Hidalgo's gratitude for the support he received from many individuals, including former teammates concerned about his condition and eager to offer assistance. A decade removed from his career in the National Series, Hidalgo was a notable relief pitcher for teams like Metropolitanos, Matanzas, and Holguín.

The journalist also reflected on the rising violence in Cuba, highlighting that many assaults, both fatal and non-fatal, often go unpunished, raising public concern. Fortunately, in this instance, Hidalgo survived, though he faces a challenging recovery process both physically and emotionally.

In sharing the details of the incident, Porto included photographs of the athlete in the hospital. The images reveal that Maikel sustained a severe wound requiring multiple stitches in his abdomen, with additional bandages on his right side, hip, knee, and arm.

In recent years, Cuba has witnessed a significant surge in violence linked to thefts and other crimes, causing alarm among citizens and authorities alike. According to the Observatorio Cubano de Auditoría Ciudadana (OCAC), the first half of 2024 saw 432 recorded crimes, including 91 murders and 260 thefts, representing a 152% increase in crime rates compared to the same period the previous year.

The Cuban government has acknowledged this increase. In June 2024, First Colonel Eddy Sierra Arias, head of the National Revolutionary Police's General Directorate, conceded a rise in criminal violence, including firearm usage, attributing it to factors like smuggling, drug trafficking, and the erosion of ethical values.

Despite these admissions, a disparity exists between official statistics and public perception. In October, the government claimed crime rates had decreased compared to the previous year; however, it acknowledged that the public remains unconvinced, particularly in provinces like Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Ciego de Ávila, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spíritus, which report the highest crime figures.

Lack of transparency in official data dissemination has led citizens to turn to social media to report criminal acts, increasing the visibility of these incidents and heightening the sense of insecurity. A survey by Bohemia magazine found that 92.39% of respondents perceive a significant rise in violence across the country.

In response, the Ministry of the Interior has announced measures to combat crime, stressing the importance of safeguarding public safety. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these actions remains under scrutiny by the public, who continue to face a reality marked by rising violent robberies and other criminal activities.