By Yasal Porto
A few days ago he called me on the phone to say he was in the Dominican Republic on a mission to obtain a US visa, and today got in touch with the good news that he had been approved. This way he can participate in one of the most important events in world baseball.
I’m talking about the famous former pitcher and coach of Pinar del Rio Juan Carlos Oliva Lopez, who traveled from Miami this afternoon with his wife Mirta Juana Ordas to obtain a visa to enter the United States this morning.
Juan Carlos will be able to reunite with his brother Tony without seeing each other after many years, while the former Minnesota Twins outfielder will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, USA. .
The ceremony will take place on July 24, and another star gardener will be added to the majestic place like the late Orestes “Minnie” Minoso from Madonna.
Of course, the event, which will take place from Saturday the 23rd onwards, will have a fundamental motivation beyond the Cuban context, with the presence of the glamorous Dominican slugger David “Big Poppy” Ortiz (the only person usually selected on this occasion). Group).
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The process for Juan Carlos and his life partner (44 years relationship) was carried out by the duo in conjunction with the Hall of Fame, but due to the current situation at the US Embassy in Havana, it had to be implemented. Made in the Dominican Territory.
Before embarking on a trip to Minnesota where his brother Tony has lived for decades, the two will spend a few days in what is known as the Sun Capital (in the Coral Cables area).
Popularly known as “El Guabo de Corralito”, Between the late seventies and early eighties he was one of the most talented pitchers in Cuba.. He was first recognized at the 1975 Youth World Cup in Venezuela, and he impressed everyone with his work and conditions, which led to his first chances in the major leagues.
Coming to the national series, he changed the tasks of starter and reliever, in the latter of which he became the best in the country for many years. Despite being a member of the national team with that responsibility, despite the enormous position he had in Cuba.
His stardom coincided with the fact that Pinar del Rio was a weak province dominating the entire island. Garcia, Felix Pino, Maximiliano Gutierrez, Julio Romero and Jesus Guerrero, et al.
After his retirement and leaving a better career as a pitcher, Consolasian del Sur began to stand alone as a pitch coach in the national series and beyond the Cuban borders.
This is Juan Carlos’ first trip to the United States, and it could not be a more special occasion than making Tony one of the best baseball “immortals” in the world.
