Outstanding left-handed pitcher from Matanzas, with excellent records in national series and undefeated in international baseball tournaments.

Cuban baseball fans, especially those from Matanzas, today mourn the death of Jorge Luis «Tati» Valdés, one of the best pitchers to have played in our national series.

I had the good fortune to see him pitch and enjoy his great repertoire: straight 90 mph, change of speed, slider, curve and excellent control. But I will never forget his main weapon: the knuckleball, especially against right-handed hitters.

All that «recital» of deliveries, coupled with his mastery to surprise those who could afford to anchor at first base, made him an almost untouchable left-hander. Hence the excellent numbers he left for history, not only in the domestic context, but also in international competitions.

In 1990, the Jovellanos star was part of the Henequeneros team that won the Cuban title, and was the leader in wins (19). The following year, he equalled that mark.

«Tati» was active in 20 national series, with 234 wins and 166 losses, 46 shutouts, 3134 innings pitched, 2980 hits allowed, 1982 strikeouts, 1024 tickets, 1090 clean runs and a 3.13 ERA.