The 65th Cuban National Baseball Series, scheduled from October 4th to December 22nd of this year. It will feature a competitive format with two zones and four groups in the preliminary phase. It introduces innovations in the playoffs, the National Baseball Commission of Cuba announced.
At a press conference in the Adolfo Luque Hall of the Latinoamericano Stadium. Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo, president of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation. He explained that the adjustments are due to the need to optimize resources. Especially fuel, in the country’s complex economic context.
Each team will play 44 games in the qualifying round, 24 against the rivals in their own group in the first two rounds. And 20 against the teams in the other group in their zone in the final round of the preliminary phase.
The series against teams within the same group will consist of four games with one day of travel between games. While the series against teams from the other group will be five games with one day of rest in between.
New this year, at the end of the qualifying phase, the standings will be determined by zone. And the top four teams from each zone will advance to the postseason.
A typical softball playoff system will be used. In the first round, the teams in first and second place will face off. With the winner advancing directly to the final zone. The loser will have a second chance by playing the winner of the third-place game. With the loser receiving a second chance against the winner of the third-place game. These series will be best-of-three.
The champions of each zone will then compete in a best-of-seven championship series.
In the western region, Zone A consists of Pinar del Rio, Isla de la Juventud, Artemisa, and Industriales. While Zone B includes the defending champion Matanzas, Mayabeque, Villa Clara, and Cienfuegos.
The eastern region has Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, and Las Tunas in Group C. While Group D consists of Granma, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantanamo.
This division by zones and groups was first implemented in the 32nd season (1992-1993), won by Villa Clara. Although it underwent some modifications, it remained in place until the 47th season (2007-2008). In which Santiago de Cuba won the title, according to the records of statistician Benigno Daquinta.
Moreover the upcoming Cuban baseball season also features the return of experienced managers who once led the national team. Such as Alfonso Urquiola, Miguel Borroto, and Armando Johnson, at the helm of Pinar del Rio, Camagüey, and Isla de la Juventud, respectively.
The champion of the 65th Cuban National Baseball Series should represent Cuba in the 2027 Baseball Champions League.
With information from CNA
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