Managing is always a challenge. But Abeysi Pantoja is currently taking on a double challenge: he's in charge of two teams with different characteristics. On the one hand, the Las Tunas Leñadores, who are preparing for the 64th National Baseball Series, focused on taking their fourth crown; on the other, the Cuba U-18 team, which will soon participate in the World Championship in Japan.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- “We're giving our all. With the Leñadores (Lumberjacks), we have a coaching team that knows exactly how I think and how I coach. Even so, in the mornings, we always meet and analyze the previous day and daily projections.

“We do need to give the younger players a little more time because they're not used to training at the level we currently do. We increase the load in an effort to boost their morale.”

“This is because, through psychological and physical tests, we've proven that they're athletes with good size, but with a low level of strength. So, we're looking for other elements that will lead us to victory, the main objective of our trip to the World Cup in Japan.

“I believe this is a generation with a desire to do things well, which is why we put a little more pressure on them in the matches against Camagüey and Holguín. We urged them not to feel diminished and to try to win, even when they were facing teams from the National Series.”

What does coaching a Cuban youth team entail?

“At first, I felt a little self-conscious. I'm not a coach at that level, but I had the advantage of participating in all the championships. When the games are played here in Las Tunas, I always come to see them because I like to observe the 'kids' we can bring onto the Leñadores. This proximity to the competitions allowed me to easily identify them.”

The mission is huge; we're talking about a world championship; aspirations and expectations are high, according to the leader of the green-red squad, who is making his debut in a dual role. “We have to give the utmost importance to this event, and that's what we've tried to do.”

During these days, the U-18 team will face several teams preparing for the National Series. “With these matches, we'll conclude our preparation for the Japanese tournament,” Pantoja says.

What will the strategy be to achieve victory?

“With the Leñadores, we're going to seek victory, go out on the field every day, and give our all. Our group is very good at bat, and that's important. With the youth players, we have to compete differently; we'll make plays that bring us a little closer to home plate.”
Is the future of Cuban baseball assured?

“There are young players with a lot of quality. We can't forget the exodus of players. They're starting now; this is their moment, and they'll increase their potential with strong and conscious training. And yes, some young players are valuable and can contribute to Cuban baseball in the coming years."

Less than two weeks left until the start of the 64th National Series, Abeysi isn't letting go of his Leñadores, and his first objective is to retain the title.

"We know that other teams have strengthened, that some of their athletes who played in other leagues outside the island have returned, and that makes the championship more interesting.”

"But our dedication will allow us to bring the title home again. We're preparing to live up to those aspirations, and the result must come."