eduardo De Bello, Visionary Leader Who Revitalized Panamanian baseball, Passes Away at 93
Eduardo De Bello, a pivotal figure in the history of Panamanian baseball, has died at the age of 93. De Bello, a civil engineer by profession, was instrumental in rescuing the sport from a severe financial crisis during his tenure as president of the panamanian Baseball federation (Fedebeis).
Born in aguadulce, De bello’s lifelong passion for baseball began at the age of seven. His dedication to the sport continued even after he formally stepped down from leadership roles over two decades ago.
De Bello assumed the presidency of Fedebeis in 1991, a period when the national baseball program was struggling financially, with insufficient funds to even hold championships. He, along with a group of entrepreneurs known as the “Baseball Friends,” successfully revived the national tournament, injecting new life into the sport.
During his 12 years at the helm of Fedebeis, marked by five consecutive reelections, De Bello spearheaded significant infrastructure projects. These included the rehabilitation of the Juan Demรณstenes Arosemena stadium and the conception and development of the Rod Carew National Stadium. The Rod Carew National Stadium, a modern, multi-purpose venue, remains the primary venue for baseball in panama, fulfilling De Bello’s vision of a professional and contemporary stage for the sport. The stadium hosted its first baseball game in the early 2000s.
De Bello’s influence extended beyond Panama’s borders. He served as president of the Pan American Baseball Confederation and as secretary of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF). His contributions to sports also included roles as secretary of the Olympic Committee of Panama and collaboration with other disciplines such as swimming and softball, where he held the position of vice president in the 1980s.Known for his firm ideals, De Bello believed in baseball as a vocation, lamenting the shift in player motivation from glory to financial gain. He departed from Fedebeis after losing an election, acknowledging the need for change and expressing pride in his contributions. In 2016, he was honored for his vision and perseverance during the National Major Baseball Championship, stating his enduring connection to the sport he had loved since childhood.
