Caguas – The Creole and his loyal fans had to wait five years to return to the mythical Yldenso Solá Morales stadium to experience the excitement of a good baseball game on a cool Sunday afternoon after the damage that Hurricane María left in that sports facility in September 2017 .
Today was that day long awaited by Yegüita’s followers. However, it was not the return that had been planned – with a great party and the park full of public – because the rebound in infections of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the coronavirus changed plans, as it has been doing since March 2020 when the pandemic was decreed.
Thus, the hundreds of people who came to the park did so with the illusion of having a good time of relaxation in the meeting between the Criollos and the RA12 team. Everyone felt safe with the measures taken by the authorities to contain the spread of COVID-19, such as limiting entry to 400 people, asking for the vaccination card and requiring the use of a mask.
In the stands, the atmosphere was festive as well, with the fans cheering and applauding each player. Likewise, in a corner of the park the narration of the meeting could be heard, surely coming from some radio station.
“This park is historic”said Ramón Del Valle, who described himself as a Caguas fan since he was a child, when speaking of his feelings upon returning to Solá Morales.
“It was necessary for baseball to return to Caguas. I am happy that they have returned to Solá Morales, ”added the man, who was patiently waiting to buy a ticket.
Arrested in front of Del Valle, Milva Colón Santana also lined up to buy a ticket. His intention was to support his grandson, the RA12 player and who belongs to the San Francisco Giants organization, Abdiel Layer.
“I come to see my grandson. But we came before, and I feel very happy to return and to support sports and youth, “said the woman.
The first game of the afternoon, a double run would be played, it closed 1-0 in favor of Caguas. Do not start this result, the Criollos did not hit a hit, a rare occurrence in baseball.
The Cora in the house
The reopening of the Solá Morales could not be complete if the Cora clan did not reach the facility, whose complete rehabilitation is estimated at $ 14 million. Sisters Aimee and Lydia Cora arrived there, along with other members of the family. Both recognized that walking through that park reminded them of their father, José Manuel Cora.
“This is our house. Everywhere I look here, I see my father’s name. You had to be here, ”Aimee declared with a big smile. “This excites me. I never go to the cemetery, but if I go to a ball park, I remember Daddy, “he added.
“I feel just as excited,” Lydia pointed out. “We have come here since we were little, we took the ‘score’ with daddy, the anteroom … We are going to relive that today, and as Aimeee says, here we see daddy everywhere“, Held.
At last he is given Vimael Machín
Not only the fans and the Cora were eager to set foot in the home of the Criollos. The Caguas infielder and player for the Oakland Athletics, Vimael machinI couldn’t wait to play in that park after spending four years with this franchise.
“After four years in this league with the Criollos de Caguas, I can finally say that I am home. I – like other players – are very happy to be here. This is an honor because this park has a good history ”, expressed the player.
Machín recalled that when he was little he used to come to the park because he was the mascot of the Samaritanos de San Lorenzo team in Double A baseball, and when the finals were with the Bravos de Cidra, they played at Solá Morales.
“I have been here many times. I also came as part of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and I also played a tournament of excellence. When I was little I came to see the Criollos de Caguas, especially the playoffs. TEvery player who played against Caguas says that it is very difficult to beat this team in the playoffs at Sola Morales. I’m happy to be here ”, he added.
In similar terms, the general manager of the Criollos, Jesús “Motorita” Feliciano, described the return of the Criollos to their park as “something historic”.
“This is is special, it is something historical, of relief. It’s a relief to the fans, especially, and to the players. It is important for them to be able to have their home. We must give credit to the administration of the Criollos and the municipality of Caguas, who have done everything possible to achieve this return. We must also thank everyone for their patience, “said the former Major League Baseball player.
Millionaire investment
The main advisor in recovery and reconstruction of the municipality of Caguas, the engineer Juan Alicea, shared that the first phase of the rehabilitation of the stadium included an investment of $ 12 million. Total investment is expected to amount to $ 14 million.
Speaking of what it means for the municipality that the facility could finally be opened, Alicea said it was “a feat.”
“After the damage from Hurricane Maria, what was recommended was the demolition of the park. There was a movement of the citizens so that this did not happen, the municipality and the mayor (William Miranda Torres) got involved in this feat that is now a reality, “said the official.
Among the repairs made to the park, which dates back to 1948, is the rehabilitation of the playing field, the lighting system in which $ 2 million was invested, and the repair of the electrical energy infrastructure, among other things.
“Now comes a phase two in which they are going to make terraces on the sides to give it a modern atmosphere. We are happy to be able to complete the first phase of this great project and that the Criollos can return home to play baseball, as they have historically done, “said Alicea, who hopes that the complete project will be completed for the next winter baseball season. .
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