Venezuelan sports journalism is mourning the loss of a true icon, as Humberto Acosta has passed away after a career spanning more than three decades at El Nacional. Acosta dedicated his life to covering baseball, both domestically and on the international stage.
Born in 1951, Acosta developed a passion for baseball at a young age. He began his formal journalism training in 1970 at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, studying Comunicación Social and launching a career that would establish him as one of the nation’s most respected sportscasters, according to Líder en Deportes.
Acosta began his professional journey in 1978 at El Nacional, remaining with the publication until 2012. He as well served as a commentator for the Leones del Caracas in 1987, and covered the Navegantes del Magallanes during the 1993-94 season.
He later returned to Unión Radio, where he worked with the team for 20 years.
Throughout his distinguished career, Acosta covered the Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional, Major League Baseball, and numerous international competitions, earning him the Premio Nacional de Periodismo in 2007. He was widely admired for his unique style and ability to capture the heart of the game and its Venezuelan players.
“Never Miss an Opportunity to Teach”
Journalist Mari Montes, in a letter originally published in 2019 and re-shared following Acosta’s passing, fondly remembered how he blended objectivity with passion, turning every report into a masterclass in journalism. Montes recalled how Acosta chronicled the careers of Venezuelan stars like Andrés Galarraga and documented historic moments, such as the retirement of David Concepción’s number by the Cincinnati Reds.
“You never miss an opportunity to teach,” Montes wrote. “You always have the generosity to share your knowledge. I don’t understand if you realize it, because you do it inevitably… I could go on forever listing everything we’ve learned from you, at least in this family. And I already know that my unborn grandchildren will inherit the lessons we learned with you.”
