Cuban Baseball Playoffs Coverage

HAVANA TIMES, May 6 — The Cuban Baseball Playoffs begin on Wednesday with Western Division quarterfinal games between Pinar del Rio and Sancti Spiritus and leader Habana vs. Isla de la Juventud. Eastern Division play begins on Thursday with defending champions Santiago de Cuba playing Villa Clara and this year’s surprise division leaders Ciego de Avila against Holguin.

Havana Times will be bringing our readers an exclusive playoff diary from Cuban baseball expert Peter C. Bjarkman who not long ago gave us excellent on-the-scene coverage of the 2nd World Baseball Classic from Mexico, San Diego and Los Angeles.

Bjarkman first visited Cuba in February 1997 to begin research on the first of several books on the island’s baseball history. He rapidly fell in love with Cuba’s national sport and also its people, culture and music. Ever since, it became a big part of his life. His book “A History of Cuban Baseball 1864-2006” is a virtual bible for fans and history lovers.

For a look at how the regular Cuban baseball season concluded including the standings and top batters and pitchers see: http://havanatimes.org/?p=8128