Cuba makes history with its first Little League champion, takes first step toward making World Series

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT-Cuba has its first Little League Baseball champion.

A team from Havana defeated Pinar-del-Rio, 18-1, to advance to the Caribbean regional tournament in Curacao July 13-20. This is the first year Cuba has had chartered Little Leagues.

Havana won out over 16 teams in the Cuban national tournament that was held following the conclusion of the regular season in that country.

Little League President and DEP Stephen D. Keener tweeted: “Congratulations to the Havana kids and coaches…history made today.

“First Cuban champions to earn a mid-July trip to Curacao for the Caribbean Regional tournament with dreams of Williamsport and the Little League World Series.”

The tournament was held now to give Little League time to make the needed preparations to get the Cubans to Curacao, spokesman Kevin Fountain said.