Santiago de Cuba

Avispas de Santiago de Cuba (English: Santiago de Cuba Wasps) is a baseball team in the Cuban National Series based in Estadio Guillermón Moncada in Santiago de Cuba. The Avispas (Wasps) are historically one of the most successful teams in the National Series, the main domestic competition in post-revolutionary Cuban baseball. The team is similar to the Boston Red Sox in MLB in the sense that they have fans all over the country (especially in the east), and are the eternal rivals of Industriales, the New York Yankees of Cuban baseball. The traditional rivalry on the baseball diamond also represents the rivalry between the two cities (La Habana and Santiago de Cuba) dating back to the era when Cuba was a colony of Spain two centuries ago. The Super Classic of the Cuban National Series between EB Santiago de Cuba and Industriales takes place six times per season.

The Avispas have won eight Cuban National Series championships, including three straight titles during the 1998-99, 1999-2000, and 2000-01 seasons. Santiago's latest Cuban National Series championship came in the 2007-2008 season, defeating Pinar del Rio in a 4 game sweep.

Santiago de Cuba has sent one player to the 2006 World Baseball Classic, pitcher Ormari Romero; and four players to the 2009 World Baseball Classic: Luis Miguel Navas, Norge Luis Vera, Hector Olivera and Rolando Meriño. Two Avispas have gone to the Olympic Games, Rey Isaac in 1996, and Danny Betancourt in 2004. In each year, the Cuban team won gold.

The Santiago de Cuba baseball team is one of the most storied and successful teams in Cuban baseball history. Based in the city of Santiago de Cuba, the team has a rich tradition of producing talented players and winning championships.

Known for their passionate fan base and electric atmosphere at their home games, the Santiago de Cuba team is a powerhouse in the Cuban National Series. With a history of success dating back to the early days of Cuban baseball, the team has won numerous championships and produced many players who have gone on to have successful careers in Major League Baseball.

The Santiago de Cuba team is known for their strong pitching staff, solid defense, and explosive offense. They play with a sense of pride and determination that is unmatched in Cuban baseball, making them a formidable opponent for any team they face.

Overall, the Santiago de Cuba baseball team is a symbol of the rich baseball tradition in Cuba and continues to be a dominant force in the sport both domestically and internationally.