The 65th National Baseball Series is scheduled to kick off on October 4 in Cuba, a nation currently grappling with severe challenges. Frequent blackouts, sometimes lasting over 20 hours a day, and an economy that continues to burden Cuban families paint a grim backdrop for the event.
The Cuban Baseball Federation confirmed the start date during a press briefing held on Tuesday, as reported by JIT.
Revamped Championship Format
To minimize travel and conserve fuel, the championship format has been completely overhauled. The tournament is now split into two geographical zones—Western and Eastern—comprising a total of four groups.
In the Western Zone, Group A consists of Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Isla de la Juventud, and Industriales, while Group B includes Mayabeque, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Villa Clara. Over in the Eastern Zone, Group C features Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, and Las Tunas, with Group D comprising Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo.
Logistical Challenges and Solutions
Each team will play 44 games during the qualifying phase: 24 within their group and 20 against teams from the other group in their zone. The top four teams from each region will advance to the postseason, which will follow the Page playoff system with best-of-three series, while the final will be a best-of-seven showdown.
One of the most significant hurdles facing Cuban baseball is fuel. The Federation will initially bear the cost in foreign currency, hoping to recoup the expenses through sponsorships and reinvest the funds to ensure the tournament's continuity.
Accommodations have been streamlined as well: one hotel per province will host the visiting teams. For the preparation phase of the 16 teams, 300 balls have been provided, though each province must supply its own bats.
Uniforms and Future Preparations
Uniforms for this edition are secured through the existing contract with the Teammate brand. Juan Reinaldo Pérez, president of the Federation, confirmed this with a caution about future responsibilities: “We have the uniforms for the 65th SNB, maintained through our contract with Teammate, ready to dress all 16 teams. For the upcoming 66th series, each territory will be responsible for uniforms, which may include advertising."
Widespread Impact of the Energy Crisis
The environment for the championship could not be more challenging. In August, Cuba experienced an electrical deficit of up to 2,400 MW, with a demand of 3,300 MW against only 1,100 MW available, leading to power cuts affecting approximately 67% of expected consumption. The National Electroenergy System has completely collapsed at least seven times this year.
The energy crisis has left a lasting impact on sports. In May, the National Baseball Commission suspended national youth championships for the Sub-12, Sub-15, and Sub-18 age groups due to energy shortages. By June, the INDER of Matanzas publicly acknowledged that the Cocodrilos couldn't travel to Havana because their assigned bus hadn't received fuel.
The 64th National Series also felt the effects: its final between Matanzas and Las Tunas was held at a neutral location, the Latin American Stadium in Havana, due to logistical limitations. Matanzas claimed the championship on February 14 with an 11-0 knockout.
Prior to the competition's start, the schedule includes a preparation seminar from September 1 to 15, stadium inspections from September 16 to 25, official roster formations—32 players and 14 technical staff members—between September 15 and 20, and the technical congress on October 1, just three days before the series begins.
Cuban baseball enters its 65th edition, compelled to adapt amidst a crisis that shows no signs of relenting, in a country where even securing basic resources to keep a championship running is, in itself, an achievement.
Key Questions about the Cuban Baseball Series Amidst Crisis
How is the Cuban Baseball Federation addressing the fuel shortage?
The Federation plans to initially cover fuel expenses using foreign currency, with hopes of recouping these costs through sponsorships to ensure the tournament's sustainability.
What changes have been made to the tournament format?
The championship is divided into two geographical zones with four groups in total, to reduce travel and conserve fuel. The postseason will feature the Page playoff system, and the final will be a best-of-seven series.
What is the current electricity situation in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing significant power shortages, with an electrical deficit reaching 2,400 MW and frequent blackouts affecting approximately 67% of anticipated consumption.