Oscar Sánchez Serra

VÍCTOR Mesa, manager of the team representing Cuba in the 3rd World Baseball Classic, spoke with Granma about the principles and values which sustain the team, as it takes on the commitment to meet the people’s expectations.

I would describe them as Cuba’s guerreros (warriors), with a special mentality, principles, with a great desire to play baseball and an unbreakable confidence in victory.

It contributed a great deal. We played a championship that was a playoff from day one to the very end, very tense and intense; you couldn’t relax at any time.

It was as if you were facing the same demanding level of the Classic. The way in which the players gave of themselves in every game allowed us to pull together the team we will take to the World competition. The efforts made by every team in the National Series – by every player, whether or not they are on the field during the Classic – will be reflected in how we do in this challenging event.

Working one run at a time, in every game, this is the strategy we developed at the time we put the team together. Every appearance at bat, every pitch counts, it all counts. A bunt, a well designed play on defense, a homerun, a stolen base, base running and batting, advancing players on base, they can all be the decisive play, the play that gives us the championship. We have to be, and in fact we are, prepared for every situation. That’s why those chosen have several attributes: strength, speed, touch, drive, explosiveness, respect for the opponent, but who also earn respect. It’s not just batting 340, it’s knowing what to do at every moment, faced with whatever problem, advancing a player on base is just as important, if not more, than a high average. Performances must contribute to victory, if not, they’re not worth anything.

A 100-meter race is about to begin, since the tournament is short, but in reality it is a reflection of a long race, in which the objective is to go forward. Cuba isn’t the only team running this race; it is a great marathon which involves many. We have to get into our heads that baseball is not just batting, fielding or pitching; it’s playing, since the game is very rich tactically. If things are not learned early, there’s no way to get them later.

It is the foundation of victory, if everyone does what they are supposed to do in the service of a victory, we are invincible. I’m very happy, since the players have changed their mentality. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen great figures coming together so cohesively and with the youngest players as well. I think we have firmly established the concept that there is no winner here; it is the team that wins.

This is Cuba’s team; I don’t do anything here on my own. What I can tell you is that this is a group with a winning attitude. Jorge is a genius, capable; Figueroa, a master teacher; Primitivo Díaz, intelligent and aggressive; Angel Castillo, goes for victories; Riscart, indispensable to our pitching; Juan de Dios, cautious; Cheíto, is the expression of greatness. The doctor, the masseuse, the psychologist and our colleagues on the National Baseball Commission have been experts, leaders and friends. This is not my team; I’m just a small part among them. This is Cuba’s team.

Ismel will be our first opener, facing Brazil, on the 3rd. This game is the most important; it gives us everything from then on. As for the schedule, I think we’re lucky in that we’ll be able to see our rivals play first and we’re playing the strongest team in the third game of the first round.

To those who aren’t on the team, may they sense their contribution in every play, every at-bat, hit or run, may they feel the victory because it is theirs as well, because they were essential. To those who will face our opponents, may they be capable of showing the attributes for which they were chosen, may they rise to the level of their teammates, and fulfill the commitment they made to their people.

That they have confidence in their team, in their players. The greatest challenge the players have is to meet the expectations of those who, night after night, fill the stadiums, who will be sitting in front of the television during the dawn hours. The fans, the people, mean everything to this team.