Cuba was originally slated to host the 2009 Baseball World Cup, however, they willingly gave up the honor to Europe.

Cuba continued to advance to the second round with wins over South Africa and Australia.

[5] Cuba advanced into the second round, where it lost its first game to undefeated Pool A winner Team Israel.

[7][9][10][11] Former Major League starting pitcher Jason Marquis (in 5.2 innings) and three Team Israel relief pitchers (including Brad Goldberg and Josh Zeid, who both threw 96 mph fastballs) kept Cuba to five hits and one run, a homer by Despaigne, who became the all-time World Baseball Classic home run leader.

[12] Cuba went on to lose all 3 games they played and failed to advance to the championship round.

[16] Win Lose Void or postponed Fixture Media related to Cuba national baseball team at Wikimedia Commons