Yoan Manuel Moncada Olivares is currently full of expectation, because in less than a week, he will wear the jersey of the Cienfuegos team, as rookie, in the 52nd Cuban Baseball Series. And no wonder, because this young player knows there are hundreds of eyes on him due to his distinguished career at youth level, which makes him one of the top prospects in the country.
“Cienfuegos can expect the best of me this year despite being a rookie, I hope to have a good result from the work of my coaches and the support of my colleagues who have helped me, and I wish to give a good show to the people of Cuba,” this 17 years old youngster noted.
Moncada was born in the neighborhood of Las Quinientas, municipality of Abreu, and made it to the Cuba team in the category 15 -16 years thanks to an excellent performance in the National Championship of 2011, in which he had a tremendous performance with 40 hits in 24 games, including eight homers.
Moncada became famous in the 14th World Baseball Championship U-16 IBAF (AA), which was held in Lagos de Moreno, Mexico, where Cuba finished second and he became the only Cuban chosen for the all stars team of the tournament. He won the recognition for Best Third Base by his excellent figures, being the main slugger in the Cuban squad: Average 500, 10 hits in 20 at-bats, with two doubles and an equal number of triples, plus 0.800 slugging percentage and he committed just two errors in defense.
A few days ago he had its pre-competitive test towards Cuba’s most important sport event while participating with Cienfuegos (The elephants) in the 20th Antillana de Acero Cup in which "I felt the best since this was my first competition in the Senior Class". He added "This is a good preparation for the National Series as our team thinks to be on top this year".
Besides being a switch hitter, Yoan Moncada is able to play multiple positions in the infield, besides the 3 rd base, he also plays as shortstop and in second base. "I feel good in all three positions, I used to play as shortstop, there I felt better, but now that I’m playing in second base I also feel comfortable and I think I can also do well here".
Cienfuegos´ boy will have opportunities to shine from now on. He has talent to spare. Time will tell if he has what it takes to reach stardom. His focus on training will have much to do with that.
Author
Reynier Batista Morales
