Maikel Azcuy is royalty when it comes to British Baseball, the native of Pinar delRío, Cuba won four homerun and RBI titles in the nation’s top league with the Croydon Pirates from 2005-2010. From 1995-2011 he was third in Britain in OPS, third in slugging and second in triples over that span.
Azcuy debuted with the British National Team in the 2012 European Championships hitting .300 and scoring six runs during the tournament. In the 2014 European Championships he slashed .370/.433/.444 with seven runs scored in the competition. As a veteran in 2017 he saw his only action in the World Baseball Classic, lacing a double for Britain in the qualifying phase of the tournament during the team’s 13-0 win over Pakistan.
As of today he is Britain’s modern leader in hits (322) and RBI (273), was second in doubles (68) and triples (13) and third in runs (258). For his career he slashes .444/.517/.750 in Britain and made the British Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021, its first inductee from Cuba. Although it was not in his homeland Maikel Azcuy has made a big impact in the baseball world.
Although you are Cuban, you are also a member of the British Baseball Hall of Fame. How proud are you to receive that honor?
It is an enormous honor. I was born in Cuba and never imagined that I would leave such an important mark on British baseball. Being recognized for everything I accomplished both on and off the field means a great deal to me. It is a reward for hard work, perseverance, and all the people who supported me throughout my career.
How did your father influence your baseball career?
My father was my first inspiration. I grew up watching him play and seeing the admiration and respect people had for him. He taught me respect for the game and the importance of working hard every day. Even though he was not a man of many words, the lessons and advice he gave me as a child stayed with me throughout my entire career.
You hit a double in your only at-bat while representing Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic. Tell us about that appearance and what it meant to participate in the tournament.
When I stepped into the batter’s box, my approach was simple. I was dealing with a difficult situation because of hamstring and knee issues, but I wanted to help the team in any way possible. I tried to stay calm, look for a good pitch, and make solid contact. Getting a double in that opportunity was very special. Representing Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic was one of the most important moments of my career because I was competing on the biggest international stage in baseball.
Tell me about your son Joshua, who is considered a future Major League prospect. What influence have you had on his development?
As a father, I have always tried to share my experience without putting pressure on him. I have taught him the technical aspects of the game, but most importantly the value of hard work, humility, and enjoying baseball. Talent is important, but daily dedication is what truly makes the difference. I am very proud to watch him grow both as a player and as a person.
What is Maikel Azcuy doing these days?
I am still very involved in baseball. Currently, I serve as the head manager of the Berlin Flamingos in Germany’s Bundesliga. I also work at an academy in Berlin, helping young prospects develop and grow within the game.
In addition, I have the privilege of working alongside Gladys Alonso, who is my son Joshua’s agent. She has been one of the best things to happen to me at this stage of my career. She is an incredible person, extremely knowledgeable, and deeply committed to helping young players find opportunities and build a future in baseball.
I feel very fortunate to have Gladys as part of our family and to be a member of her team. Today, I remain dedicated to baseball, sharing my knowledge with the next generation and helping young athletes pursue their dreams. I truly enjoy what I do, and it is very rewarding to continue giving back to the game that has given me so much.