Cuban Little League Team Makes Historic Debut at World Series
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – In a historic moment for both Cuban baseball and the Little League World Series, the Bayamo Little League team from Cuba has made its debut at the tournament. This marks the first time a Cuban team has qualified for the World Series since Little League added Cuba to its rotation in 2022. The team’s entry into the tournament is a significant milestone for Cuba, as it represents the growing global reach of Little League and the warming relations between Cuba and the United States.
The Bayamo Little League team secured its spot in the World Series by defeating the Habana del Este Little League team 6-2 in March. They arrived at the tournament with great pride, with one player carrying the Cuban flag, making them the only team to do so at the event. As they walked into a Little League-sponsored picnic, the Cubans expressed their joy and gratitude for the opportunity to represent their country on such a prestigious stage.
Manager Vladimir Vargas, speaking through a translator, expressed their pride, saying, We are very proud to be here representing Cuba. We have many teams that want to be here, and we are the ones. It is an awesome thing for us. Vargas acknowledged the challenges his team faced in reaching Williamsport, both on and off the field. However, their hard work and determination paid off, and now they are excited to showcase their skills against the top teams from around the world.
While tensions between the United States and Cuba have kept Cuban teams out of the Little League World Series for decades, recent efforts to foster diplomatic relations have allowed Cuban teams to participate. Little League officials extended an invitation to Cuba, and in response, Cuba brought together about 700 teams under the Little League banner. Despite the geographical proximity between Havana and Miami, this is the first time the Cuban players and coaches have stepped foot on U.S. soil.
Their first challenge comes in the form of Japan, a powerhouse in Little League baseball. Japan has won the tournament five times since 2010 and was the last international team to win it all in 2017. Although it won’t be an easy match, Vargas remains optimistic, saying, We are going to play the way we did in Cuba – to win.
On the field, Bayamo Little League displayed their dominance in the national tournament, finishing with a record of 8-2. They showcased their offensive firepower, scoring at least five runs in each of the three championship series games. However, they now face Musashi Fuchu Little League from Japan, which went undefeated in its region and poses a formidable challenge.
The winner of the Cuba-Japan game will move on to face Mexico, while the loser will enter the elimination bracket. Mexico, a strong contender in recent years, is looking to make a deep run in the tournament after reaching the semifinals last year.
As the Bayamo Little League team prepares for their games, they are grateful for the opportunity to play in front of their families in South Williamsport. The support from their loved ones provides them with added motivation to perform at their best.
In other news, the Little League organization has taken steps to enhance player safety and comfort. Following an incident in 2022 where a player was injured falling from a bunk bed, the organization has replaced the bunk beds in the dormitories with single-level beds. This change ensures the players’ well-being during their stay at the tournament.
The arrival of the Cuban Little League team at the World Series represents a significant milestone for the sport and the continued growth of Little League globally. As the tournament progresses, baseball fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how the Cuban team fares against the top teams from different nations.
