Boxing in stadiums or lack of discipline in the Series?.

Perhaps the solution lies in applying stricter measures against those who break the rules or permanently expelling from the facilities those fans whose behavior seeks to undermine the order of the championship.

The 64th National Series has passed its first third of the championship, and more than the spectacle itself, external situations are threatening our baseball. Violence has no place in any area of life, and even less so on a baseball field.

Incidents such as the aggression by Eriel Sánchez, former manager of the Gallos from Sancti Spiritus, against an official responsible for ensuring the proper conduct of the game, tarnish the image of the country’s most important sporting event.

Referee decisions may be debatable and even questionable, but they should never lead to altercations or insults from team managers or players. Baseball in Cuba is culture, identity, and we must not allow external factors to stain the image of something as cherished by Cubans as the game itself.

It is clear that baseball is suffering from the same issues affecting the rest of our society: lack of fair economic compensation for the work performed, the exodus of players who never debut in our elite tournament, and schedules that hinder public attendance at stadiums. But if we don’t take care of what we have and uphold discipline—both on and off the field—our national pastime will fade away.

Discipline is not just about playing the game without altercations or protests—it means fully complying with the regulations and ensuring that teams, referees, and officials arrive at the stadium at the scheduled times.

The public also plays a fundamental role in sports, as long as they are there to cheer for their team and not to insult referees or opponents. As the saying goes, “to every action, a reaction,” and if you offend, insult, or confront a referee or a player, you must accept the consequences of your actions.

Perhaps the solution lies in applying stricter measures against those who break the rules or permanently expelling from the facilities those fans whose behavior seeks to undermine the order of the championship.

Over the years, Cuban baseball has earned its prestige through results and discipline both on and off the field. But recent incidents invite reflection—and raise the question: is there boxing on the field, or simply a lack of discipline in the series?

Written by George Carlos Roger Suárez.