Cepeda, the Iconic Man of Cuban Baseball

The legendary Frederich Cepeda, in addition to the pride of playing alongside his son for the first time in the upcoming National Series, has several statistical incentives to further enrich his sports résumé.

With 26 seasons played, the Gallo Mayor holds privileged positions in most of Cuban baseball’s offensive rankings, according to the archives of statistician Benigno Daquinta.

Cepeda will seek to extend his lead in career hits, having already surpassed the legendary Dánel Castro, although it is unlikely he will reach 2,600, a milestone that would require 63 more hits.

Meanwhile, media attention is expected to follow Yordanis Samón, who will play for the Toros of Camagüey, as he could become only the third player in Cuban baseball history to record 2,500 hits, needing just 29 more.

In doubles production, the Sancti Spíritus star also holds a leading position with 487, but close behind is Samón with 478, another formidable hitter known for his extra-base power.

Two other players are on the verge of entering the 300-doubles club, a milestone they are almost certain to achieve in the first weeks of competition. Yordanis Alarcón of Las Tunas needs four, while Dennis Laza of Mayabeque requires only one.

Cepeda is also set to become the second player in National Series history to drive in 1,500 runs, needing eight more RBIs, and with 20, he would claim the top spot on the all-time list ahead of Orestes Kindelán.

Kindelán’s reign as the home run leader with 487 is unchallenged, as the closest active player, Cepeda, has 377.

However, new headlines are expected from Alfredo Despaigne of Granma, who is 13 home runs away from 300, and Ariel Sánchez of Matanzas, now playing with Industriales, who is just two shy of reaching 100.

On the pitching side, every save recorded by José Ángel García, known as the Barber of Guanajay, will extend his own record. His immediate goal is to secure four more saves to reach 320.

To put that achievement in perspective, the second all-time closer, Danny Aguilera of the Isle of Youth, tallied only 149 saves, while among active players, Yanielquis Duardo of Sancti Spíritus needs six more to reach 100.

Another name likely to make headlines this season is Villa Clara’s right-hander Alaín Sánchez, who is just two wins away from entering the 100-victory club.

The 64th edition of the Cuban baseball classic begins on September 2, and from opening day, statisticians, journalists, and fans alike will be watching closely as these players continue to set historic marks in their sporting careers.