The wise men say that life is forged with work, and the luck of achieving success starts from that precept. For Yordan Manduley Escalona it is clear that everything is achieved with effort and dedication.
After his participation in the IV World Baseball Classic, we talked to this outstanding athlete, born in La Rosal, but who formed his sporting career in this municipality of Calixto García in the province of Holguin.
You fulfilled one of your dreams, participate in a World Baseball Classic, regardless of barely playing, how did you felt that experience?
"For me it was a unique experience, regardless I only had three times at bat, I enjoyed it very much because it was a dream come true, this year the injuries have pursued me, first in Canada with a back pain, I could not play in CANAM and practically also in the National Series and I thought that nobody would choose me as a reinforcement and I would not have a chance to fight for a position in the National Team. For my luck, Granma chose me, I think I did not do badly with them, we were Champions, and so I had the opportunity to go to the Caribbean Series and look for a place for the Classic. Unfortunately in the preparation games I injured my right ankle and that prevented to some extent that could have a greater role, but I am very happy and grateful anyway.
How do you appreciate Cuba's performance in this event?
"I value it in a positive way, we fulfilled the prognosis that was to advance to the second phase and we succeeded, afterwards, everyone knew it was difficult, we had to face a team from Israel made up of mostly American players and many have played in major leagues or have been in branch teams; Japan has, as everyone knows, after the United States, the best baseball in the world and finally Holland, which in recent years has been our black beast and in front of them, I think, we made our worst game. Either way, the team always played cheerful and combative, but we faced a baseball of very high quality. "
What does the Cuban baseball lack in order to have better results at that level?
"There is no doubt that Cuba produce a lot of quality players, that has been demonstrated, I think that what separates us from that level is professionalism and I do not talk about money, I mean specialization. We, both position players and pitchers, have to try to fail as little as possible, to make our work as perfect as we can, in short, to become true professionals of our work, only so we can aspire to be inside That elite. We have talent, we just have to try harder. "
This year you achieved something unheard of for a player from this province of Holguín, to reach your second national title, what does this represent for Manduley?
"It represents immense satisfaction, it is the reward for these years of effort and sacrifice. Of course, they say that happiness is never complete, I have not had the luck that these titles are with my province, first with Villa Clara and now with Granma. That total happiness will come on the day I make it with the Cubs. "
It has already been confirmed that you will be this season again with the Capitals of Québec in the CANAM League, your impressions about it?
"Yes, it has already been confirmed that I and other Cuban players will play there, some of us repeat as my case,Gracial and Santos, he is pending if he plays in Canada or Japan, and others who will do it for the first time. In particular I am very happy since last year I was injured and could only participate in two games. Today I am a more mature player and I am eager to contribute to the Capitals and achieve the championship. "
You have two children, another of your victories without doubt, your son wants to be like his father, will he succeed?
"I think so because he loves baseball and that's fundamental. He wants to play baseball and follow my footsteps that is something that fills me up with satisfaction and pride, unfortunately I do not have much time to see him play because my commitments prevent me to do so, but the teachers see talent in him. I personally teach him everything I have learned in these years and help him in all I can. He says he's going to be better than his dad and of course I want him too. That would be my biggest success. "
Dreams that remain to be fulfilled?
"To be in an Olympic Games, I will fight to improve, to be more professional in my work and if Cuba achieves the classification, to find a position in the team and to fulfill that goal, if I achieve it, I would feel totally fulfilled."
Finally Yordan, a message for the hundreds of followers that you have in this municipality.
"First of all thank them because they are always waiting for me and I assure them that I will always try, wherever I am, not to disappoint them and give everything on the field so they continue to feel proud of this humble Cuban who never forgets his roots. That I am primarily a Cowboy and that fills me with pride. "
