The upcoming IV Cuban Elite Baseball League is all set to commence this Saturday following the finalization of team rosters and regulations during Tuesday's technical congress at the Miramar Business Center in Havana.
According to JIT, the meeting was led by Omar Venegas Echemendía, the vice-president of INDER, and Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo, the president of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation. The event was connected via videoconference with all team managements involved.
Each team's roster adjustments were confirmed, reflecting last-minute changes due to personal matters. The regulations were updated and approved as well. Every team will consist of 20 core players and seven additional reinforcements, totaling 27 players per team.
Participating Teams and Roster Changes
The six competing teams include the Matanzas Crocodiles, Industriales Lions, Artemisa Hunters, Mayabeque Hurricanes, Las Tunas Lumberjacks, and Holguín Cubs, all of which qualified from the 64th National Series.
Matanzas announced a significant change with Eduardo Cárdenas stepping in as the new team leader, replacing the seasoned Armando Ferrer, who is undergoing medical treatment and is anticipated to return for the upcoming National Series. Additionally, Noelvis Entenza González has been listed in Matanzas' main roster, substituting for Silvio Bruno Iturralde Herrera.
Notable Players and Ceremonies
One of the standout reinforcements this season is Frederich Cepeda Cruz, a prominent figure in Cuban baseball history, who will be playing for Mayabeque. Starting Wednesday, each province will host flag-raising ceremonies, which include signing the code of ethics and disciplinary regulations previously discussed within each team.
The opening ceremonies will pay tribute to Olympic champion Dany Miranda, who passed away on April 6 at the age of 47 due to complications from an acute intestinal obstruction while serving as the manager of the Ciego de Ávila Tigers.
Challenges Amid Economic Struggles
Despite Cuba's severe economic crisis, the INDER has sanctioned the league’s continuation, acknowledging the "known limitations" faced by organizers. The Elite League, established in 2022, aims to sustain high-level baseball on the island and select a team for the Caribbean Series.
Last year's edition was won by the Ciego de Ávila Tigers, who swept Las Tunas 4-0 in the final and subsequently represented Cuba in the 2026 Caribbean Series held in Caracas.
The preliminary phase of the IV edition will run from May 2 to June 19, with each team playing 40 games. The semifinals will occur from June 21 to June 30, followed by a best-of-seven final series from July 2 to July 10.
FAQs on the IV Cuban Elite Baseball League
Who are the new reinforcements in the IV Cuban Elite Baseball League?
Each team will have seven reinforcements. One of the most notable is Frederich Cepeda Cruz, who will be playing for the Mayabeque Hurricanes.
What is the duration of the IV Cuban Elite Baseball League?
The league's qualifying round will take place from May 2 to June 19, with the semifinals scheduled from June 21 to June 30, followed by the final series from July 2 to July 10.