The two best third base in Cuban baseball today are producing information these days. Michel Enríquez, from Pinar del Río, has already trained for the 52 National Series, while Yulieski Gourriel might leave the Gallos behind to join the pride of Lions.
A few days ago we heard the good news from our colleague Yuliet Pérez in the Isle of Yough that Super 12 – as he is called there – is already training for the upcoming championship at the Cristóbal Labra stadium.
Good for Michel, who was out practically the entire last season due to an injury. No doubt about it – he confirmed it: he wants to give his full contribution to the Isle in the next championship and at the same time win a position in the Cuban team that will take part in the 3rd World Classic.
He was truly missed during the last campaign, and that is so because it’s always a great show to see this third base play. He, Omar Linares and Osmani Urrutia make up the trio with the best averages in Cuban baseball.
Gourriel, in turn, seems to be leaving Sancti Spiritus to settle down in the capital and play in its team, according to what we read in the website of Radio Sancti Spiritus, which says literally: “The official news that Yulieski Gurriel will start playing with the Industriales team is expected”.
The topic has already been commented in the street, and what seemed to be a simple supposition is now gaining force.
It will still take time to become a reality, but if I were the sports director in Yayabo’s land I would not allow it. It’s simple: this fabulous baseball player already has an identity. I want to make it clear that it’s not because he will join the Industriales, but because to say Yulieski in Cuba equals saying Gallos.
Or could you imagine the Isle of Youth without Michel, or Alfredo Despaigne playing in his native Santiago? Would he then be the greatest among the great?
We could find other examples, but if there is something I am proud of from the baseball played in our country is the identification of the athletes with their hometown. This achievement cannot be changed, no matter what.
Author
Reynier Batista Morales 
