Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Camagüey, August 11.- He has played for several teams, including Granma, his home province. However, over time, and after a request for reinforcement, renowned baseball player Yordanis Samón Matamoros has been an essential member of Los Toros of this province for several years.
Almost at the doors of the 64th season, the slugger is setting new goals, even though he will face his 23rd season in the most anticipated sporting event in the country.
Approaching his 44th birthday (born October 19, 1981), the native of the El Dorado area in Bayameses, alternates as a first baseman and designated hitter for the Camagüey team, with noteworthy merits that make him a reference -and by far- a key figure in the national selection.
Despite the passing of time, he maintains his offensive quality, as evidenced by his batting average of .345, enough to rank him among the top four hitters in history, behind Omar Linares, Osmani Urrutia, and Michel Enríquez.
Many acknowledge that he hasn't fully convinced experts and federation officials because injustice "hounds" him when it comes to forming Cuban teams in international competitions. However, he makes the most of the few opportunities he has received.
Right now, and despite his seniority, which already hints at a competitive farewell, he still manages to maintain his almost filial love for this sport, which justifiably earns him the applause and affection of all fans.
In recent statements to digital media, he highlighted goals he has in mind for the upcoming event, such as reaching 2,500 hits, achieving his 500th double, and increasing his RBI count, an area that, he stated, "is something that is rarely discussed about me".
Samón currently has 2,471 hits (3rd in the National Series), which is perfectly within reach, as he finished with 83 hits in the previous tournament, while in double-headers he had 14, but he needs at least 22 to reach his goal.
In terms of RBIs, he is missing 76, a figure higher than the 54 he achieved in the previous championship, so he will need to work hard if he hopes to "chase" the new record in that area, although many affirm his potential to extend his active stay a little longer.
Will Yordanis Samón be able to fully fulfill his goals in this upcoming tournament?
Hopefully, yes. Because he still has the quality, and undoubtedly, he is one of those athletes for whom baseball is more than just a game. (Gilberto Rodríguez Rivero/Radio Cadena Agramonte contributor) (Photo: Archive)
