After a record number Cubans played in the Caribbean circuits this year, only one Cuban will play in the Serie del Caribe. Rangel Ravelo is that person and was a key cog in the Cardenales de Lara ‘s LVBP championship this season. In a tournament which Cubans have a long and storied history, Ravelo will be the only person in charge of living up to that billing for his countrymen this year.
The native of Havana is a seasoned veteran in the Winter Leagues and hit .282 with five longballs, 31 runs batted in and slashed .422/.435/.857 in 38 games with the Venezuelan squad. Ravelo hits a solid .320 in 10 seasons in the Caribbean. Venezuela (Lara) will open up tomorrow against the representatives of the Dominican Republic (Escogido) tomorrow at 4:30 PM.
The ex-big leaguer has seen action in two Series del Caribe with Lara (2019) and the Águilas Cibeañas (2021) but hits a lowly .171 with a run batted over 35 at-bats in tournament. In the Venezuelan playoffs Ravelo leads all foreigners with over 60 RBIs during his his career. The experienced infielder figures to play a key role for the Cardenales offense this series.
Over his career the Cuban has seen action in the majors with St. Louis and in the Nippon League with the Orix Buffaloes. Last season Ravelo played in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol hitting .257 with five homeruns and 15 RBIs with the Tecolotes de Dos Laredos. Signs point to Ravelo returning the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol for the upcoming season.
Serie del Caribe schedule:
Fri, Jan 31
Venezuela vs. Dominican Rep. 4:30 PM
Puerto Rico vs. Mexico 11:00 PM
Sat, Feb 1
Dominican Rep. vs. Japan 3:50 PM
Mexico vs. Venezuela 8:50 PM
Sun, Feb 2
Japan vs. Puerto Rico 3:50 PM
Dominican Rep. vs. Mexico 8:50 PM
Mon, Feb 3
Venezuela vs. Puerto Rico 3:00 PM
Mexico vs. Japan 8:00 PM
Tue, Feb 4
Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Rep. 5:00 PM
Japan vs. Venezuela 10:00 PM
Wed, Feb 5
Semifinals: TBD vs. TBD 5:00 PM
Semifinals: TBD vs. TBD 10:00 PM
Thu, Feb 6
Third Place Game 10:00 PM
Fri, Feb 7
Final 10:00 PM