Team Asere is Here to Stay

The #TeamAsere, as it has gone down in history, is already a symbol of Cuban sports and they were acclaimed last Monday accordingly on the streets of the capital, shortly after being congratulated by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

It was not the finale we all would have wanted, but they battled until the last out, in a very hostile setting, therefore there’s no reason to be discouraged with what the Cuban team did in the V World Classic.

Of course we wanted more, but we had already said it in a previous comment: whatever happened, the performance of the Caribbean team would not fall into the group of disappointments.

A knockout demoralizes, but in this case it doesn't happen because they knew the quality we were facing, the current tournament champion and a formidable opponent in every way, despite its important absences.

When the play ball shout was given, no one thought that Cuba would again be among the big four. After the two initial defeats, if there was any disappointment left, it was quickly erased, but despite the regrets, Team Asere survived and kept advancing.

Never before has a national team had a name so consistent with its essence, because despite the purists who can come out from under any stone, there’s no word more used in this country than that one, sometimes even coming out of the mouths of those same purists, because it’s like the Venezuelan "pana" or the Mexican "cuate", as rooted as the lineage.

Going back to the game in question, it was painful, and even worrying, that they only scored once in the first inning with the bases loaded, and no out. When you don't hurt an All Star team like the American, when you can, you eventually pay dearly for it.

Then came the downfall of the pitchers, who had been backbones in all the victories, but prey to the lack of control and perhaps even the jitters associated to the pressure of the moment and the heavy atmosphere in Miami.

Let's not forget that for many of them this was their first experience with the Cuban team and things happening on the bleachers of a stadium is something for which it’s very difficult to get ready.

As for me, the most important thing is not what we have just left behind, but what’s coming in the future, because Team Asere is here to stay, and it’s not to extrapolate the term to any national team, but rather so that each roster is made with the best available.

The team wasn't powerful enough, that’s for sure, but it’s the first step, and what must remain is the methodology. The brave players who stepped forward, which is priceless, demonstrated that the blood that runs through their veins is heavier than anything else.

They left coaches speechless for their discipline, commitment, and effort, for getting on a car that squeaks, but it’s theirs, and if it’s necessary to push they get down into the mud and push, because the pride of defending your flag is priceless.

That’s why I prefer to rectify the first line, it’s not the end, it’s just the beginning.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff