Cuban Baseball Legend Lázaro Junco Dies at 67 — First Cuban Ever to Hit 400 Home Runs in the National Series

June 4, 2026

Cuban baseball is in mourning. On Monday, June 1, 2026, Lázaro Marino Junco Neninger passed away in Matanzas at the age of 67, after courageously battling a prolonged illness. Known affectionately as "Papá Jonrón" (Mr. Home Run), he was the first Cuban player ever to clear the 400-home-run barrier in the National Series, ending his legendary career with 405 home runs.

Born in Limonar, Matanzas, Junco spent 18 seasons with teams from his home province — Occidentales, Citricultores, Henequeneros, and the Cocodrilos de Matanzas — and led the home run charts in 11 of those campaigns. His powerful swing and imposing physical presence made him one of the most iconic figures in Cuban baseball through the 1980s and 1990s.

Cuba's official newspaper Granma paid tribute on June 2, describing him as one who, "with his imposing build and steel wrists, was the first mortal to tear down the mythical wall of 400 home runs in Cuban championships." Cubadebate and OnCuba News also confirmed his passing, noting that Junco "is remembered as one of the standout hitters in Cuban baseball history."

In his later years, the colossus from Limonar could often be found in the stands of the Estadio Victoria de Girón, watching the next generation of players with undiminished passion. His death has prompted widespread mourning in Matanzas and across the Cuban baseball community.