The manager of Cuba's national baseball team, Germán Mesa, shared his thoughts with journalist Pavel Otero following the team's impressive three-game winning streak in the preliminary phase of the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026. The team has advanced undefeated to the Super Round.
Cuba's journey saw them triumph over Curacao with a score of 4-1 on July 31, shut out Puerto Rico 4-0 on August 1, and edge past the Dominican Republic 9-6 in extra innings on Sunday. This flawless record keeps Cuba's aspirations for gold alive in a tournament they haven't won since Veracruz 2014.
The Spirit of Unity in the Cuban Dugout
For Mesa, the most remarkable achievement doesn't lie in the score but in the camaraderie within the team. "We've managed to make this team feel like a family. It's been a long time since we've achieved such internal harmony in a national baseball team," stated the manager, adding, "For the first time in many years, there's a different atmosphere on the bench."
Mesa highlighted captain Yoelkis Guibert and catcher Andrys Pérez as pivotal figures in fostering this unity. However, he also confirmed that Pérez sustained an injury during the tournament: "Unfortunately, he's injured now. We'll have to see how he progresses."
Strategic Pitching Decisions Under Mesa's Leadership
When it comes to handling the pitching staff—an aspect frequently discussed under his management—Mesa clarified that every pitcher has a designated role based on the game's situation. "We've outlined the roles: who starts, who steps in when we're leading, who pitches in a tie, and who comes in when we're behind. It's not random," he emphasized.
The manager defended his choice to keep pitcher Andy Vargas on the mound during a challenging inning against the Dominican Republic, despite Vargas issuing a walk with four wild pitches. "We need to give players the confidence they need and not appear desperate," Mesa explained, summarizing his approach with a simple philosophy: "When things get tough, the calm one is unbeatable."
Challenges Ahead in the Super Round
Looking ahead to the Super Round opponents—Panama, Colombia, and Nicaragua—Mesa expressed that the toughest hurdle has already been overcome. "I believe the team to beat was the Dominican Republic. They came in strong on their home turf. Nonetheless, there are no small opponents here. Every rival is tough," he warned.
Appointed as the national team's director in June 2025 with a contract through 2028, Mesa previously led Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. As a player, he was a standout shortstop for Industriales over 16 National Series, earning nicknames like "The Magician" and "The Magnet."
Cuba boasts 15 historic golds in baseball at the Central American and Caribbean Games, but they have settled for silver in the last two editions—Barranquilla 2018 and San Salvador 2023. The Super Round begins this Tuesday and runs through Thursday, with the medal finals set for Friday.
"I have no complaints. I'm completely satisfied so far. We're winning, and the family we've built is working," Mesa concluded.
Key Insights into Cuba's Baseball Success at Santo Domingo 2026
What was Cuba's performance in the preliminary phase?
Cuba won all three of their preliminary games, defeating Curacao 4-1, Puerto Rico 4-0, and the Dominican Republic 9-6 in extra innings.
Who are the key players in Cuba's baseball team according to Germán Mesa?
Manager Germán Mesa highlighted captain Yoelkis Guibert and catcher Andrys Pérez as key figures in the team's unity and success.
How does Germán Mesa approach pitching strategy?
Mesa assigns specific roles to pitchers based on game situations, ensuring that decisions are not made randomly but strategically.