Lugdis Pineda Takes on New Challenge with Cuban National Baseball Team

Lugdis Pineda Romero, manager of the Holguin “Cubs” during the 65th National Baseball Series. He has joined the coaching staff of the Cuban team that will compete in the U-23 World Cup. Taking place from the 6th to the 15th of this month in Nicaragua.

Serving as the bench coach for the Cuban national squad, Pineda Romero approaches this responsibility with both seriousness and pride. A role he admitted came as a surprise, given that he is only in his third season at the helm of the “Cubs.”

He acknowledged that this is a significant challenge requiring study, sacrifice, and dedication. He intends to fulfill his duties to the best of his ability. Focusing on continuous professional development and working in close collaboration with the team’s head manager, the experienced Guillermo Carmona, from Havana.

Having led the “Cubs” to a bronze-medal finish in the 4th Elite League of Cuban baseball. The young manager explained that while a head manager’s duties are well-defined. Also the role of a bench coach involves working in support of the head manager. This presents no issue for him, as he maintains an excellent professional relationship with Carmona. Whom he admires for his approach to guiding the team on the field.

Regarding this role, he highlighted the vital influence of fellow Holguin native and coach Noelvis González Matos. Also who held a similar position with the Cuban national team during the most recent World Baseball Classic. Noting that González Matos’s lectures on the subject are essential reference material.

Also he highlighted that the squad from the largest of the Antilles features several players with proven talent and a desire to deliver a commendable performance. A goal supported by solid preparation and regular play with their respective teams during the current National Series.

Regarding one of these young players, outfielder Andrys Agüero Fuentes, whom he coaches on the northeastern team. The manager pointed to his qualitative improvement from one season to the next, as well as his versatility.

He also praised the power at the plate that the player has demonstrated since the Elite League. Along with his ability to perform effectively in both the outfield and the infield.

In the current championship, Andrys boasts a .356 batting average. With two doubles, seven home runs, 21 RBIs, 23 runs scored, and 37 total runs produced. He also holds an on-base percentage (OBP) of .519, a slugging percentage (SLU) of .746, and an OPS (OBP + SLU) of 1.265.

With information from CNA