RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent: Players from the Cuban team leave the field at Volunteer Stadium on Wednesday for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Little League World Series.
It was just a year ago that Cuba made its debut in the Little League World Series and, after several close calls in the Caribbean region, became the first country to be automatically admitted as part of the three applicant rotation of Cuba, Panama and Puerto Rico.
Although its run ended a little early, the country made history on August 19 when it won its first Little League World Series victory in history with an 11-1 victory over Australia. And in the other two matches, against Japan and Panama, the team lost by just one point.
Now it’s back and ready to build on last year.
This year, Cuba received automatic eligibility again – this time along with Puerto Rico. After Bayamo represented the country in its debut, Santa Clara LL was the team to advance through the regional championships in Cuba, securing the country’s second eligibility. It’s an exciting time for the city, which will see its players represent the country at the event for the first time.
“When we won, the people of Santa Clara were ready to welcome us and we had a lot of fun,” Cuba’s manager Everaldo Machado said through an interpreter before the event. “We were very happy about the support and were treated like never before.”
Santa Clara had an 8-1 record in the 16-team tournament, losing to Matanzas 11-3 in its third tournament game before winning six straight games to earn a trip to Williamsport.
Two of those wins came against Matanzas, both just one day after the loss. And despite a very competitive team, the last five wins have had a combined margin of 19-8 – none of them by more than four runs.
“Given the high level of this tournament (the Little League World Series), all of Cuba and all the other cities – not just Santa Clara – are working on Little League so that they have a chance to make it here,” said Machado about the country’s passion for sport.
Although their regional tournament took place in March, by far the earliest of all, this was by design. The country learned a lot from its first appearance and hopes to be better prepared this time around.
“With the knowledge from last year, they knew they had to prepare the team better and do things that they don’t normally train or do at their tournament in Cuba,” said Machado. “I just hope to make the team better so that they can be competitive when they get here.”
The hope is to go far and build on last year’s result. Cuba’s opening match is this afternoon at 5pm against the Czech Republic at Volunteer Stadium.
“I don’t want to say that we are better than last year’s team. But we will do our best to achieve better results than last year.” said Machado. “We are well prepared. I know I have a good team. The boys are very responsible and disciplined. We hope to make a good impression here. Our players are proud to be here and they have a lot of courage.”
