Cuban Baseball Team on its Way to World Cup

Havana, Sep 23. – The Cuban baseball team was officially appointed Friday at a flag ceremony after which its manager Alfonso Urquiola said they were ready and committed to win the 39th World Baseball Cup of Panama 2011. The 18-team tournament will run from October 1 to 15 in Panama City.

At the ceremony, held at the Jose Marti Memorial of Havana's Revolution Square, experienced catcher Ariel Pestano read the players' oath, while slugger Alfredo Despaigne was the standard-bearer escorted by second baseman Hector Olivera and pitcher Yadier Pedroso.

Lazara Mercedes Lopez, first secretary of the Communist Party of Havana, presided over the ceremony which was also attended by Jose Ramon Fernandez, president of the Olympic Committee, and Sports Minister Cristian Jimenez.

Cuba is playing the 39th World Baseball Cup of Panama City focused on regaining the world title, that the USA won in the last two world cups.(Prensa Latina)