Tomorrow, the game is on, the celebration begins; baseball returns with the 64th National Series. The expectations, even though Cuban baseball still has room for improvement, are immediate, as this is a sport without which we cannot call ourselves Cuban.

This will be the season in which a field icon, one of the indispensable players, Frederich Cepeda, will see his dream come true of sharing a jersey and emotions with his son. Both will take to the field seeking victories for the Gallos of Sancti Spíritus.

Cepeda passed the age of 40 four years ago, but his son has not yet turned 18. What lies behind this story? Twenty-six national series fueled by pure performance, numerous appearances on Team Cuba, but more than anything, countless training sessions, ironclad discipline, and innumerable sacrifices, many of which kept him away from his own offspring, who now returns the gesture by wearing the legend’s surname on the same uniform his father has defended with one of the brightest records in Cuban baseball.

This will also be the Series marking the debut of Vicyohandri Odelín as manager of the very Camagüey team he once made great from the pitcher’s mound. Osmel Cordero will also debut as a manager; less of a media figure but known as a player who gave his all in every game, whether at third base or as a pinch hitter for Mayabeque. Another first-time manager will be Yoandri Molina from Cienfuegos.

Not a debut but a return to a managerial role is Eriel Sánchez, once again with Sancti Spíritus. He will surely return with that combative drive we saw in him both as a player and a manager. Marcos Fonseca, after a long time and following his victory in the recent U-23 national championship, will face the difficult task of rebuilding the Alazanes team, which failed to advance in the previous edition.

This season, we look forward to seeing Matanzas’ Ariel Sánchez, from the legendary family of Jovellanos, wearing the Industriales uniform—the same team that will welcome Yaser Julio González, arriving from Pinar del Río. Another player switching teams, but this time returning to his roots, is Erisbel Arruebarruena, who in a move full of symbolism will once again play for Cienfuegos.

While Arruebarruena leaves Matanzas, Yurisbel Gracial returns to the team at a time when the Cocodrilos need him as close to his best form as possible. Denis Laza, after a long controversy, did not transfer and will remain with Mayabeque, much to the satisfaction of their fans.

Regarding debuts, Ciego de Ávila will have the highest number of rookie players in this competition. The Tigers, led by last year’s Elite League champion manager Danny Miranda, have registered 22 new players for the national series.

Just as Cepeda makes news every time he steps up to bat, so does the towering figure from the Isla de la Juventud, Luis Felipe Rivera. The Pirates’ first baseman will begin his 29th season tomorrow, now 48 years old—another example of perseverance and loyalty to his uniform.

Of course, expectations also revolve around the teams considered favorites. For now, in terms of predictions, we can only say that, like the last few national series, this one appears to be another batting-heavy tournament. Some might say we’re stating the obvious, but it helps draw conclusions about which teams are likely to reach the postseason.