Cuba's Men's Softball Team returns to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.   Photo: Guillermo Rodríguez Hidalgo

Havana, December 9 (RHC) -- The Cuban men's softball team that participated in the World Cup arrived on Thursday and came just one step away from equaling the best performance in these competitions, which dates back to 1988 when they placed 4th in Canada.

The stellar pitcher Alain Román, who was recently named the most outstanding athlete in team sports this year, and captain Yesander Rodríguez, descended from the plane with the Lone Star flag, which accompanied them in each of the 8 games they played in New Zealand.

INDER Vice President Ariel Sainz Rodríguez went to Terminal 3 of José Martí International Airport to welcome them and thank them on behalf of the Cuban people for the courage they showed in an event they arrived just hours before the start.

For his part Juan Reinaldo Perez Pardo, President of the Cuban Softball Federation, was at the head of the delegation that left good feelings in New Zealand. "It is a pleasure to have shared with this team that has given a waste of courage and will on the field. We always emphasize collectivism and discipline, which are two essential aspects for success," he said.

Despite the lack of international exposure, the players prepared very well in Ciego de Avila. "They did not have a rubbing according to the result of this selection, but they did have a long preparation process there in Avila territory and finally contributed to achieve this performance in the World Cup."

The Cuban Softball squad finished in 5th place in the Auckland World Cup, after achieving 4 successes and an equal number of defeats, adding the qualifying stage and the super round. The 4 losses of the team coached by Leonardo Cardenas were against the powerful teams of Australia 0-3, Canada 0-2, United States 4-8 and Argentina 1-3, precisely this is how the first 4 teams were placed in New Zealand territory.