The bulk of the Cuban team for the V World Baseball Classic arrived today in the city of Tokyo, where it was received by the ambassador of the Caribbean island in Japan, Miguel Angel Ramirez Ramos.
After the long transfer, which began on Sunday at Havana’s José Martí International Airport, the delegation was also greeted by other members of the Cuban diplomatic staff in that country and generated requests for photos and autographs among many passengers.
After completing the necessary formalities at the Haneda air terminal, athletes, coaches and directors stayed in a hotel at the airport, from where they will travel this Wednesday to Okinawa, where the preparation will begin on Japanese soil.
The technical direction of the team confirmed the purpose of adding four practice matches to meet specific objectives identified as part of a work that has left positive results.
With no injuries, and awaiting possible additions in the next few days, the group will have its first match on the 17th against Nippon Ham Fighters, and will play against Chunichi Dragons a couple of dates later.
Yomiuri Giants (Feb. 22) and SoftBank Falcons (Feb. 23) will be their other opponents before heading to Taiwan for additional such clashes in the run-up to the demanding tournament, the opening round of which will see them take on the Netherlands on March 8.
Italy (March 9), Panama (March 10) and Taiwan (March 12) complete the group.
