Game 4: Throwing with the heart

Final Series of the II Elite Cuban Baseball League

Erlys Casanova climbed onto the mound at the 26 de Julio stadium, looked at the sky carefully for a couple of seconds, crouched down, and placed his cap in front of the pitching board. He stood up instantly and raised his arms, clasping his hands together until they formed a heart in honor of the memory of his wife. Then, he adjusted his bright red cap on his head, where the peculiar “A” of Artemisa stands out. With the ball in his right hand, he patted the inside of his glove, seeking strength after an endless sigh.

Between tears, emotions, and irrepressible displays of feelings, Erlys Casanova's feat began to emerge. Before throwing his first pitch of the game, the Crocodiles' third base coach, Alexis Garro, hugged Erlys on the mound and dedicated a few words to him. While Garro continued on his way to his coach's box at third base, Erlys rubbed the ball, and when he looked up at the stands located behind the Hunters dugout, he received the affection of the faithful fans who stood up to applaud him.

At that moment, all the Artemisa and Matanzas players joined in showing respect and admiration for the dedication of Erlys Casanova, who, despite going through such a difficult time, after the physical loss of his wife, went up to the mound seeking success for the Hunters.

No matter what the final result, Erlys Casanova's moving story of overcoming demonstrated once again how much baseball can mean as a driving force in our hearts. We often try to summarize players' performances in numbers, but we can never forget that the challenges of a player go beyond the sport. This sunny Saturday afternoon we experienced one of those indelible moments to remember. During every wind up, every pitch, every out, it was impossible to capture in numbers the shocking displays of courage and passion that Erlys Casanova exhibited on the mound.

From the first pitch of the game, Erlys showed complete control of the situation and, as he began to mix all of his weapons, he looked more dominant. But this time the winning formula was not in the command of his sinker, or the overwhelming rotation of his fork. The key to success was his inspiration, his love for his family and the feeling that drove him to hold the ball and balance each wind up with the conviction that he would emerge victorious.

It's not every day that a pitcher manages to get on the mound overcoming a loss like the one Erlys is suffering under the pressure of the postseason. And, then, maintain composure to subdue the powerful lineup displayed by the Crocodiles of Matanzas with their pitches.

I believe that there is no possible script for a result at the level of the jewel of pitching that Erlys Casanova starred in, throwing seven consecutive zeros, until completing the nine innings in the 3-2 victory that propelled the Hunters to tie the final 2-2.

These great feats are only achieved when a pitcher throws with his heart.