Evelio Hernández, Cuban Sports Glory, Featured in San Juan Murmurante

With the flavor of trova and the warmth of nostalgia, the «San Juan Murmurante» space dedicated its edition within the 34th International Book Fair in Matanzas to one of the great legends of Cuban baseball: Evelio Hernández.

Eighty years of life, and a story worth telling. Born in Nicaro, Holguín, though he arrived very young in Havana and later in Matanzas, Evelio confessed, in dialogue with host Cari Padilla, that since his school days in MININT he already practiced baseball and basketball.

But before shining on the diamond, at just 20 years old, he was part of Commander Ramiro Valdés’ personal escort. Then came sporting glory: champion with Henequeneros in ’70, a stint with Citricultores, and he was part of the inauguration of the Victoria de Girón stadium. His position was catcher, and he wore Cuba’s jersey for nine years, winning three World Championships, Central American and Pan American titles.

Already retired, he wore another uniform: that of internationalist combatant in Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Vietnam. And amid so much history, he confessed that he is also a lover of photography — a passion that reveals his sensitivity.

San Juan Murmurante, that space named after the river that inspired José Jacinto Milanés, once again demonstrated that in Matanzas, sports and literature also embrace.