Camagüey, Cuba, February 11 - In Caracas and already a member today of a Cuban national team for an official tournament, Leonel Moas Acevedo received the news of his participation in the World Baseball Classic.
From Venezuelan soil and in the middle of the Americas Tournament, one of the two Cubans who only play in the National Series and who will be in the Classic in Puerto Rico told us about the satisfaction of reaching this level.
"Honestly, I am very happy with the news. I think it's the reward for many years of effort in our national baseball," he said via WhatsApp.
From the main national event of this sport, only Andrys Pérez and Moas managed to join the elite roster of baseball organized by Major League Baseball. In Moas’ case, thanks to an offensive season with a .361 average and 95 hits.
“It was really unexpected; it surprised me a lot. The roster that had been discussed had big names, so I did not see myself making it.”
The absence of high-level players such as Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andy Pagés and fellow major leaguer Andy Ibáñez opened the door for Moas, a player with many defensive possibilities.
“But in the end, they will not be there, so I received the news with great joy. Also, I have my mind prepared for whatever the team needs, and I’m ready for any game situation.”
Regarding the preparation to face a tournament of the highest quality, where Cuba is grouped with Panama, Colombia, Canada, and the host country, he told us: “Since we arrived in Havana, we have been working hard on hitting and on the speed machines, and in batting practice, the coaches emphasize working on the speed of the pitches.”
Although he did not debut as a starter in Venezuela with this Cuban squad, he also spoke about the opportunity to keep improving his performance as a player. However, against Curacao, he was in the lineup and had two hits in four at-bats.
“In this Americas Series, it’s a good opportunity to see the level we are going to face, because honestly, there are very good pitchers.”
“They had prepared me to come in as a pinch hitter in this event, but up to now, the opportunity to play had not come.”
Without a doubt, beyond the honor of representing Cuba in a high-level competition like the World Baseball Classic, which will begin the first week of next March, for Leonel Moas this is a showcase that could catapult his professional career.
Despite doubts or questions, the athlete’s qualities validate him to defend the national colors and also to honor the talent that remains in Caribbean soil. (Photo taken from the Internet)
