Cuban National Series
Encyclopedia
The Cuban National Series is the primary domestic amateur baseball
competition in Cuba
. Formed after the dissolution of the Cuban League
in the wake of the Cuban Revolution
, the Series is a part of the Cuban national baseball system.
, and two for the city of Havana
. Each team is made up of players from the province it represents. In Havana, most of the top tier players take the field for Industriales
, traditionally the strongest team in the league. Other typically strong teams include those from Santiago de Cuba
, Pinar del Río
and Villa Clara
.
The 90-game regular season stretches from November until February, and culminates with an eight team tournament to decide the league champion.
Since 2008-2009 championship, the Cuban League has been reorganized - qualification is by zones, and not in groups as it has been the last 15 years.
In the 2011-2012 series, there will be 17 teams, since Havana Province has been split in two new provinces: Artemisa Province
and Mayabeque Province
. Thus, the Western League will have now 9 teams. The Artemisa team will be nicknamed as "Hunters" (spanish "Cazadores"), and the Mayabeque team as "Hurricanes" (spanish "huracanes").
The Cuban National Series is the beginning of the preparation for all the commitments that the team Cuba has in the summer. The Cuban National Preselection is selected from the Series and Havana is the site for practicing before going to the competition. Sometimes more than one team is selected.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
competition in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
. Formed after the dissolution of the Cuban League
Cuban League
The Cuban League was one of the earliest and longest lasting professional baseball leagues outside of the United States, operating in Cuba from 1878 to 1961...
in the wake of the Cuban Revolution
Cuban Revolution
The Cuban Revolution was an armed revolt by Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement against the regime of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista between 1953 and 1959. Batista was finally ousted on 1 January 1959, and was replaced by a revolutionary government led by Castro...
, the Series is a part of the Cuban national baseball system.
League structure
Since 1993, the league has had 16 teams: one representing each provinceProvinces of Cuba
Administratively, Cuba is divided into 15 provinces and one special municipality not included in any province. The last modification was approved in August 2010 , splitting Havana province into two new provinces: Artemisa and Mayabeque...
, and two for the city of Havana
Havana
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
. Each team is made up of players from the province it represents. In Havana, most of the top tier players take the field for Industriales
Industriales
Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball...
, traditionally the strongest team in the league. Other typically strong teams include those from Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba Avispas
Santiago de Cuba is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series based in Estadio Guillermón Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. The Avispas are historically one of the most successful teams in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball...
, Pinar del Río
Pinar del Río Vegueros
Pinar del Río is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in the western city of Pinar del Río, the Vegueros are historically one of the more successful teams in the Cuban National Series, winning championships in 1997,1998.-History:...
and Villa Clara
Villa Clara Naranjas
Villa Clara is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in Santa Clara, the Naranjas or Azucareros have been one of the league's most successful squads over the last 30 years, winning championships in 1983, as well as three year run from 1993, 1994 and 1995. They also lost the 1996,...
.
The 90-game regular season stretches from November until February, and culminates with an eight team tournament to decide the league champion.
Since 2008-2009 championship, the Cuban League has been reorganized - qualification is by zones, and not in groups as it has been the last 15 years.
In the 2011-2012 series, there will be 17 teams, since Havana Province has been split in two new provinces: Artemisa Province
Artemisa Province
Artemisa Province is one of two new provinces in Cuba, which creation was approved by the Cuban National Assembly by splitting former La Habana Province.Artemisa was the largest city and municipality of the former La Habana province...
and Mayabeque Province
Mayabeque Province
Mayabeque Province is one of two new provinces in Cuba, which creation was approved by the Cuban National Assembly by splitting former La Habana province....
. Thus, the Western League will have now 9 teams. The Artemisa team will be nicknamed as "Hunters" (spanish "Cazadores"), and the Mayabeque team as "Hurricanes" (spanish "huracanes").
The Cuban National Series is the beginning of the preparation for all the commitments that the team Cuba has in the summer. The Cuban National Preselection is selected from the Series and Havana is the site for practicing before going to the competition. Sometimes more than one team is selected.
West League
| Western | |||
| Team | Nickname | Location | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isla de la Juventud | Grapefruit Cutters |
Nueva Gerona Nueva Gerona Nueva Gerona is the capital city of the Isla de la Juventud special municipality of Cuba. The city is located between the hills of Caballos and Casas, about 3 km up the Río Casas, which provides a navigable waterway to the Caribbean Sea.... |
Estadio Cristóbal Labra Estadio Cristóbal Labra Estadio Cristóbal Labra opened in the 1940s as Municipal Stadium, in Nueva Gerona on the Isla de la Juventud. With 5,000 seats, it is the smallest in the Cuban National Series and was the only stadium without lights.-References:... |
| Matanzas | Crocodiles |
Matanzas Matanzas Matanzas is the capital of the Cuban province of Matanzas. It is famed for its poets, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore.It is located on the northern shore of the island of Cuba, on the Bay of Matanzas , east of the capital Havana and west of the resort town of Varadero.Matanzas is called the... |
Victoria de Girón Stadium Victoria de Girón Stadium Victoria de Girón Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Matanzas, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Matanzas Cocodrilos. The stadium holds 30,000 and was built in 1977.... |
| Pinar del Río | Lowlands |
Pinar del Río Pinar del Río Pinar del Río is a city in Cuba. It is the capital of Pinar del Río Province.Inhabitants of the area are called Pinareños.Neighborhoods in the city include La Conchita, La Coloma, Briones Montoto and Las Ovas.-History:... |
Estadio Capitán San Luis Estadio Capitán San Luis Estadio Capitán San Luis is a multi-use stadium in Pinar del Río, Cuba. Inaugurated the 19 of January 1969, the stadium has a capacity of 8000 spectators. The stadium is mostly used for baseball games and is the home of the Pinar del Rio Baseball team. Previously, it was the home of Vegueros and... |
| Metropolitanos Metropolitanos The Metropolitanos of Havana was a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. The Metros, also known as the Guerreros , has historically been a poor team, though it is ostensibly the heir to the Habana teams of the pre-revolutionary Cuban League.... |
Warriors |
Havana Havana Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous... |
Estadio Latinoamericano Estadio Latinoamericano The Estadio Latinoamericano is a stadium in Havana, Cuba. It is primarily used for baseball. Gran Stadium, a spacious pitchers' park with prevailing winds blowing in and boasting a playing surface and lighting system of major-league quality, was built in 1946 as the top baseball park in Latin... |
| Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Blue Lions |
Havana Havana Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous... |
Estadio Latinoamericano Estadio Latinoamericano The Estadio Latinoamericano is a stadium in Havana, Cuba. It is primarily used for baseball. Gran Stadium, a spacious pitchers' park with prevailing winds blowing in and boasting a playing surface and lighting system of major-league quality, was built in 1946 as the top baseball park in Latin... |
| Cienfuegos | Elephants |
Cienfuegos Cienfuegos Cienfuegos is a city on the southern coast of Cuba, capital of Cienfuegos Province. It is located about from Havana, and has a population of 150,000. The city is dubbed La Perla del Sur... |
Cinco de Septiembre Stadium Cinco de Septiembre Stadium Cinco de Septiembre Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Cienfuegos, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Cienfuegos Camaroneros. The stadium holds 30,000 people.... |
| Sancti Spíritus | Roosters |
Sancti Spíritus Sancti Spíritus Sancti Spíritus is a municipality and capital city of the province of Sancti Spíritus in central Cuba. Sancti Spíritus, Latin for "Holy Spirit," is one of the best preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time of the sugar trade.-History:... |
José Antonio Huelga Stadium José Antonio Huelga Stadium José Antonio Huelga Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Sancti Spíritus Gallos. The stadium holds 13,000 people. Architects: Rogelio Arrieta and Eduardo Garcia.... |
| La Habana | Cowboys |
San Jose de Las Lajas | Estadio Nelson Fernández Estadio Nelson Fernández Estadio Nelson Fernández is a multi-use stadium in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque Province, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and up to 2011 was the home stadium of the Havana Vaqueros team. Starting from the 2011-2012 series this stadium will be the home of the new Mayabeque... |
East League
| Team | Nickname | Location | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camagüey | Ranchers |
Camagüey Camagüey Camagüey is a city and municipality in central Cuba and is the nation's third largest city. It is the capital of the Camagüey Province.After almost continuous attacks from pirates the original city was moved inland in 1528.The new city was built with a confusing lay-out of winding alleys that made... |
Estadio Cándido González Estadio Cándido González Estadio Cándido González is a multi-use stadium in Camagüey, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Camagüey Alfareros. The stadium holds 15,000 people.... |
| Ciego de Ávila | Tigers |
Ciego de Ávila Ciego de Ávila Ciego de Ávila is a city in the central part of Cuba and the capital of Ciego de Ávila Province. The city has a population of about 86,100.Ciego de Ávila lies on the Carretera Central highway and on a major railroad. Its port, Júcaro, lies south-southwest on the coast of the Gulf of Ana Maria in... |
José Ramón Cepero Stadium José Ramón Cepero Stadium José Ramón Cepero Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Ciego de Ávila Tigres. The stadium holds 13,000 people.... |
| Las Tunas | Lumberjacks |
Victoria de Las Tunas Victoria de Las Tunas Victoria de las Tunas is a city and municipality in central-eastern Cuba. It is the capital of the Las Tunas Province.The municipality is divided into the barrios of Primero, Segundo, Antonio Machado, Arenas, Caisimú, Cauto del Paso, Cuaba, Curana, Dumañuecos, Ojo de Agua, Oriente, Palmarito,... |
Julio Antonio Mella Stadium Julio Antonio Mella Stadium Julio Antonio Mella Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Victoria de Las Tunas, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Las Tunas Magos. This team is famous for beating teams invited to Las Tunas city. The stadium holds 13,000 people and is the most important... |
| Villa Clara | Oranges |
Santa Clara Santa Clara, Cuba Santa Clara is the capital city of the Cuban province of Villa Clara. It is located in the most central region of the province and almost in the most central region of the country.- History :Santa Clara was founded by 175 people on July 15th, 1689... |
Estadio Augusto César Sandino Estadio Augusto César Sandino Estadio Augusto César Sandino is a multi-use stadium in Santa Clara, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Villa Clara Naranjas... |
| Granma | Horses |
Bayamo Bayamo Bayamo is the capital city of the Granma Province of Cuba, and one of the largest cities in the Oriente region.The community of Bayamo lies on a plain by the Bayamon River... |
Mártires de Barbados Stadium Mártires de Barbados Stadium Mártires de Barbados Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Bayamo, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Granma Alazanes. The stadium holds 10,000 people.... |
| Guantánamo | Indians |
Guantánamo Guantánamo Guantánamo is a municipality and city in southeast Cuba and capital of Guantánamo Province.Guantánamo is served by the Caimanera port and the site of a famous U.S. Naval base. The area produces sugarcane and cotton wool... |
Nguyen Van Troi Stadium Nguyen Van Troi Stadium Nguyen Van Troi Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Guantánamo, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Guantánamo Indios. The stadium holds 14,000 people.... |
| Holguín | Bloodhounds |
Holguín Holguín Holguín is a municipality and city, the capital of the Cuban Province of Holguín. It also includes a tourist area, offering beach resorts in the outskirts of the region.-History:... |
Calixto García Íñiguez Stadium Calixto García Íñiguez Stadium Calixto García Íñiguez Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Holguín, Cuba. It is currently used mostly for baseball games and is the home stadium of Holguín Sabuesos. The stadium holds 30,000 people.The stadium is named after Cuban patriot Calixto García.... |
| Santiago de Cuba | Wasps |
Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city of Cuba and capital city of Santiago de Cuba Province in the south-eastern area of the island, some south-east of the Cuban capital of Havana.... |
Estadio Guillermón Moncada Estadio Guillermón Moncada Estadio Guillermón Moncada is a multi-use stadium in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. It is the second most important baseball stadium of the country, with a capacity for 25 000 spectators comfortably seated. The stadium was inaugurated the February 24 of 1964... |
National Series winners
| Series | Year | Winning team | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1962 | Occidentales | Fermín Guerra |
| 2 | 1963 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Ramón Carneado |
| 3 | 1964 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Ramón Carneado |
| 4 | 1965 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Ramón Carneado |
| 5 | 1966 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Ramón Carneado |
| 6 | 1967 | Orientales | Roberto Ledo |
| 7 | 1968 | Habana | Juan Gómez |
| 8 | 1969 | Azucareros / Villa Clara | Servio Borges |
| 9 | 1970 | Henequeneros | Miguel A. Domínguez |
| 10 | 1971 | Azucareros / Villa Clara | Servio Borges |
| 11 | 1972 | Azucareros / Villa Clara | Pedro P. Delgado |
| 12 | 1973 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Pedro Chávez |
| 13 | 1974 | Habana | Jorge Trigoura |
| 14 | 1975 | Agricultores | Orlando Leroux |
| 15 | 1976 | Ganaderos | Carlos Gómez |
| 16 | 1977 | Citricultores | Juan Bregio |
| 17 | 1978 | Vegueros | José M. Pineda |
| 18 | 1979 | Sancti Spíritus Sancti Spíritus Gallos Sancti Spíritus is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Sancti Spíritus, nicknamed the Gallos won the series championship in 1978–79... |
Cándido Andrade |
| 19 | 1980 | Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba Avispas Santiago de Cuba is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series based in Estadio Guillermón Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. The Avispas are historically one of the most successful teams in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Manuel Miyar |
| 20 | 1981 | Vegueros | José M. Pineda |
| 21 | 1982 | Vegueros | Jorge Fuentes |
| 22 | 1983 | Villa Clara Villa Clara Naranjas Villa Clara is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in Santa Clara, the Naranjas or Azucareros have been one of the league's most successful squads over the last 30 years, winning championships in 1983, as well as three year run from 1993, 1994 and 1995. They also lost the 1996,... |
Eduardo Martín |
| 23 | 1984 | Citricultores | Tomás Soto |
| 24 | 1985 | Vegueros | Jorge Fuentes |
| 25 | 1986 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Pedro Chávez |
| 26 | 1987 | Vegueros | Jorge Fuentes |
| 27 | 1988 | Vegueros | Jorge Fuentes |
| 28 | 1989 | Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba Avispas Santiago de Cuba is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series based in Estadio Guillermón Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. The Avispas are historically one of the most successful teams in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Higinio Vélez |
| 29 | 1990 | Henequeneros | Gerardo Junco |
| 30 | 1991 | Henequeneros | Gerardo Junco |
| 31 | 1992 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Jorge Trigoura |
| 32 | 1993 | Villa Clara Villa Clara Naranjas Villa Clara is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in Santa Clara, the Naranjas or Azucareros have been one of the league's most successful squads over the last 30 years, winning championships in 1983, as well as three year run from 1993, 1994 and 1995. They also lost the 1996,... |
Pedro Jova |
| 33 | 1994 | Villa Clara Villa Clara Naranjas Villa Clara is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in Santa Clara, the Naranjas or Azucareros have been one of the league's most successful squads over the last 30 years, winning championships in 1983, as well as three year run from 1993, 1994 and 1995. They also lost the 1996,... |
Pedro Jova |
| 34 | 1995 | Villa Clara Villa Clara Naranjas Villa Clara is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in Santa Clara, the Naranjas or Azucareros have been one of the league's most successful squads over the last 30 years, winning championships in 1983, as well as three year run from 1993, 1994 and 1995. They also lost the 1996,... |
Pedro Jova |
| 35 | 1996 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Pedro Medina |
| 36 | 1997 | Pinar del Río Pinar del Río Vegueros Pinar del Río is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in the western city of Pinar del Río, the Vegueros are historically one of the more successful teams in the Cuban National Series, winning championships in 1997,1998.-History:... |
Jorge Fuentes |
| 37 | 1998 | Pinar del Río Pinar del Río Vegueros Pinar del Río is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in the western city of Pinar del Río, the Vegueros are historically one of the more successful teams in the Cuban National Series, winning championships in 1997,1998.-History:... |
Alfonso Urquiola |
| 38 | 1999 | Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba Avispas Santiago de Cuba is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series based in Estadio Guillermón Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. The Avispas are historically one of the most successful teams in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Higinio Vélez |
| 39 | 2000 | Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba Avispas Santiago de Cuba is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series based in Estadio Guillermón Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. The Avispas are historically one of the most successful teams in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Higinio Vélez |
| 40 | 2001 | Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba Avispas Santiago de Cuba is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series based in Estadio Guillermón Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. The Avispas are historically one of the most successful teams in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Higinio Vélez |
| 41 | 2002 | Holguín Holguín Sabuesos Holguín is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in eastern Holguín province, the Sabuesos have historically been a poor team, but made a surprising run in 2002 to claim their only championship.-Current roster:... |
Héctor Hernández |
| 42 | 2003 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Rey Vicente Anglada |
| 43 | 2004 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Rey Vicente Anglada |
| 44 | 2005 | Santiago de Cuba Santiago de Cuba Avispas Santiago de Cuba is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series based in Estadio Guillermón Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. The Avispas are historically one of the most successful teams in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Antonio Pacheco |
| 45 | 2006 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
Rey Vicente Anglada |
| 46 | 2007 | Santiago de Cuba | Antonio Pacheco |
| 47 | 2008 | Santiago de Cuba | Antonio Pacheco |
| 48 | 2009 | Havana Province | Esteban Lombillo |
| 49 | 2010 | Industriales Industriales Industriales is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. One of the two teams based in the city of Havana, Industriales is historically the most successful team in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball... |
German Mesa |
| 50 | 2011 | Pinar del Río Pinar del Río Vegueros Pinar del Río is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series. Based in the western city of Pinar del Río, the Vegueros are historically one of the more successful teams in the Cuban National Series, winning championships in 1997,1998.-History:... |
Alfonso Urquiola |
See also
- List of Cuban National Series MVPs
- Baseball awards#Cuba
- List of organized baseball leagues
External links
- Cuban baseball
- Connor, Joe, Welcome to Cuba. ESPN (MLB), January 17, 2006. Retrieved 2009-12-16.
- Baseball in Cuba The Cuban National Series. Games and stats
- Baseball de Cuba Daily league coverage. English and Spanish content.