This past weekend, Cuba claimed the silver medal in the third edition of the WBSC International Blind Baseball Cup, held at the Simone Piani Stadium in Castiglione della Pescaia, Tuscany. The Cuban team was defeated by the host nation, Italy, with a score of 10-4 in the tournament's final match.
Led by coach Roberto Carmona and praised on social media by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban team reached the final without a single loss throughout the competition. They entered as defending champions, having won the title in 2024 against the same rival. However, Italy capitalized on their home advantage and strong fan support to achieve a decisive victory, according to the state-run Cuban News Agency.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
The match started on a promising note for Cuba. In the second inning, following an opponent's error and three consecutive hits—one by Maikel Meriño driving in the first run—Cuba took an early lead. Italy quickly responded with five straight hits in the third inning, scoring three runs and taking the lead for the first time in the tournament.
Cuba fought back, regaining the lead in the fourth inning with runs batted in by Iván Gordo and Yaniel Pérez. Nonetheless, the fifth inning proved decisive as Italy scored five runs and maintained their lead to capture the championship.
Cuba's Dominance in Group Stages
Earlier in the group stages, Cuba showcased remarkable dominance. They crushed the United States 13-0 in their opening match, then defeated the Czech Republic 18-0, and finally overpowered Great Britain 17-3, advancing undefeated as the leaders of Group A. The tournament featured eight teams: Cuba, Italy, Great Britain, Chinese Taipei, United States, Netherlands, Pakistan, and Czech Republic.
Great Britain secured third place by defeating Chinese Taipei 9-2 in the bronze medal match held on the same day.
Díaz-Canel's Commendation and the Sport's Unique Nature
Despite the loss, Díaz-Canel commended the team's effort on social media, acknowledging their determination and spirit. "With grit and dignity, our blind baseball team reached the world final undefeated and fell to Italy, playing on their home turf," the Cuban leader remarked. "Silver on the world stage, but champions in the eyes of our people."
Blind baseball is a uniquely adapted sport recognized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). It features a ball with sound, matches are played over five innings or 90 minutes, and teams include visually impaired players alongside a sighted player stationed at second base.
This was the third global tournament of its kind. The inaugural event in 2022 in the Netherlands was won by Italy. In 2024, Cuba snatched the title away by defeating Italy 2-1 in the final held in the United Kingdom, an achievement that earned the team recognition among Cuba's top athletes of the year. This time, Italy avenged that loss on home soil.
Insights on Blind Baseball and Cuba's Performance
What is blind baseball?
Blind baseball is an adapted sport recognized by the WBSC, featuring a sound-emitting ball and games lasting five innings or 90 minutes. Teams include visually impaired players and a sighted player at second base.
How did Cuba perform in the group stages?
Cuba dominated the group stages, defeating the United States 13-0, the Czech Republic 18-0, and Great Britain 17-3, advancing undefeated as Group A leaders.