Photo Alejandro Avila Garcia
Enjoy the elegance of his great fielding and swines with connecting home runs leading to delirium fans, is the privilege of those who follow baseball and the career of this young man of just 25 years.
Born on June 16th, 1987, Dayán García Ortega, first saw a baseball field at five when his grandmother Blanca, brought him the nursery school and wanted to stop to watch the game from the small category (9 -10 years) who by then led the technical Pedro Carlos de Armas, who over time would be his head coach and who discovers in "the magic" the excellent qualities he brought the ball from the cradle.
Time passed and after seven years and conducted his first linkers in the box and showed it would be a good player, for his hits had the seed of a great baseball.
In 1998 participates in his first international engagement outside Cuba when visiting Colombia as part of the national team category 11-12 years, to take part in the Tournament Martin Polar played in that region of the continent. There was headed by Lázaro Rivera and returned home with the hope of growing much more as a player.
Five National Series have made through the diamonds of Cuba and average them over three hundred. In the classic hit 51 to 322 with 53 RBIs, 22 doubles, 3 triples and 11 home runs, while the field committing only 4 errors in 91 games in which he took part with the Hunters of Artemisa.
Talking with Dayan was not difficult, waits at home with his kind grandmother, who kindly gave us a tasty coffee to enliven the conversation.
What do you consider your main weapons as a player?
The discipline and dedication that comes first. I'm very obedient to every detail, since I leave the house until it ends every ball game. In sports, I think defense pass the offense, but in my five series have always hit three or more.
You play three positions in the table, third, shortstop and second. Where do you feel most comfortable?
I prefer the second base, but if necessary at some point play the other two, the important thing is to win and play for the team.
You are the captain of the Hunters of Artemisa in the National Series. How do you take that distinction?
With pride and commitment. I try to be role model on and off the field, my teammates helped and contributed to the direction that is within my reach. If my colleagues elected me to this position, the least I can do is respond to his confidence.
Tell me about the Hunters of Artemisa.
We are a young team that needs to learn much in baseball and then savor the success. I think the first thing to do to strengthen the Hunters is to have a Provincial Series quality and has enough games to develop. After technicians are responsible for polishing the deficiencies dented collective performance of the team. In a few years we should speak well of the Hunters of Artemisa.
Do you have any heroes in Cuban baseball?
Yes, I always noticed Germán Mesa, and I think he is a glory of Cuban baseball, for his elegance and quality sport.
Are you dare to make an All Star Cuban baseball from your five National Series?.
Well, I'll try. In catching start to Yordanis Alarcón from Las Tunas, first Jose Dariel Abreu from Cienfuegos, second Hector Olivera, third Yulieski Gouriel, shortstop Alexander Ayala and utilitis Aledmis Diaz. In the outfield from left to right Frederich Cepeda, Rusney Castillo and Alexei Bell, as designee Alfredo Despaigne and left-handed pitcher Adiel Palma and Yadier Pedroso as right. The team head would be Roger Machado.
We know you're very simple and modest, but would be in that team?
Smile for a few seconds and says: If you let me play, I would, but remember that I put in second at the best in the country. Olivera is in my opinion the most complete bartender Cuban baseball today.
Injustices as a player?
keep silent for a moment and his face completely change. Reflects feelings and poke in his eyes. Dry swallows and responds.
Imagine. I'm going to say, the truth is hard and painful, but you have to say it. On several occasions I have eliminated taking chances. First in Havana team, they let me out for taking a pitcher, then the two presets of Cuba to the World University in Taipei China in 2010 and last year for Canada. Both times I was told I have conditions and I am a young athlete, that opportunities will come later.
And then what did you think?
Imagine, everything. A mixture of pain, anguish and desires that drop the world over, but follow and is what I do.
In those moments is when the family plays a role
Of course!. That I can not complain. My parents, my sister and especially my grandmother Blanca has done everything possible and impossible for giving encouragement and confidence, sometimes you lose a little when these things happen, but by dint of hits and good defense, I think I am demonstrating my capacity.
Now you are waiting to be included in the team that played in the Top with the U.S. or the trip to Holland. What do you say?
Nothing!. As you say, just wait. I think this year I did everything to be in a national team. But if it isn´t Dayan will continue playing ball for his people.
Stadium where you want to play?
Without a doubt. The Latin American in the capital and Julio Perez from my Ariguanabo.
Pitcher easier to connect?
Yosvany Fonseca from Matanzas.
And the hardest?
Ismel Jimenez from Sancti Spiritus.
Your best friend in baseball?
Michel Rodríguez López
Memorable home run in your career?
First, at Palmar de Junco stadium to Matanzas and my second time in National Series.
Best moments in baseball?
The titles with San Antonio de los Baños in the Provincial Series 2007 and 2008 and the Championship crown in the 48 National Series with Havana.
What about fame?
I do not lose sleep. Fame comes and goes. You have to play baseball and give the best every day for sports.
How do you define outside the baseball field?
I am very familiar. I like being at home with my family. I enjoy playing computer games and watching TV. Occasionally I go out with my girlfriend, but most of the time I'm at home.
What baseball means to you?
All that I am. Baseball gives me friends, enjoy healthy and eager to be better every day.
Future plans?
Keep playing baseball for my people´s enjoyment.
Satisfied with sports scores?
Never satisfied, but I think what I do and will always be insufficient for baseball. This is my life.
