Nelson Campver Dies, Cuba's Longest-Lived Former Baseball Player

December 21, 2020

The former Cuban baseball player Nelson Campver, known for being the longest-lived in Cuba, passed away on Friday, December 18 in Havana as a result of respiratory failure, reported sports journalist Yasel Porto on his social networks.

Campver was the sole survivor of the national team that won the first Pan American Baseball title, in 1951. "Above all, he was an extraordinary human being and a friend of those you only realize have gone when many days pass," Porto wrote.

"At least I have his beautiful memory left and the incentive that in life I was able to show him that affection which is now sealed forever with my tributes and memories as long as I have strength and life. The best of journeys to the most veteran of my friends and brothers," added the journalist.

A native of Cabaiguán, Sancti Spíritus, the athlete had very good results in the National Amateur League and the Pedro Betancourt League, so he signed to pitch in professional baseball in the United States, where he was unable to reach the Major Leagues due to an injury that ended his career.

Campver's last public appearance took place on July 27, when together with a group of former baseball players and friends he celebrated his birthday.

Following the deaths of Conrado Marrero, Andrés Mesa and José Antonio Zardón, Campver became the oldest living former baseball player, a distinction that currently belongs to former pitcher Ibrahim Brull, 92 years old.

This 2020 other important figures in Cuban baseball have passed away, such as Julio Bécquer, Tony Taylor, Juan Castro, as well as journalists Ismael Sené and Elio Menéndez.