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25 May 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 20

Elephants Flex Their Muscles Yet Again: Doubleheader Sweep Extends League Lead Another Sunday, another statement from the Elephants. On May 25th, in the 12th Edition of the Veterans League "Softball, Quality of Life" Project, the Elephants tightened their grip on the league with yet another doubleheader sweep—their 13th in 20 weekends (an imposing 65% sweep rate). This juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down. The day kicked off with a nail-biter, as the Elephants edged out Jagua in a wild 19-18 thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. But the real fireworks came in the second game, where the Elephants dismantled the Shrimpers 29-7, fueled by a jaw-dropping 16-run explosion in the seventh inning. That’s how champions make a statement. For the Shrimpers, it was a day to forget. They dropped both games and struggled mightily on defense, committing a staggering 17 errors across the doubleheader. Their bats went quiet too—just 24 hits and 11 runs combined. A 4-14 knockout loss to Jagua in the opener capped off a weekend to forget, as they now sit a distant 15 games behind the Elephants. Jagua managed to salvage a split but couldn’t make a dent in the standings, falling 18 games back after the heartbreaking loss to the Elephants. Notable Performances: Juan Miguel Machado Pérez (Elephants) continues to shine as the league’s top arm. He earned his 12th win (12-2, .857) and boasts a league-best 2.01 WHIP, solidifying his status as the ace every team fears. The Elephants are firing on all cylinders, and as the season barrels toward its final stretch, the question remains: Who can stop this juggernaut? The chase is on, but the Elephants are setting a blistering pace—catch them if you can. ⚾🔥

18 May 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 19

Veterans League May 18th Recap: Elephants Steamroll to Another Sweep, Jagua Slide Continues Another weekend, another dominant showing by the Elephants. On Sunday, May 18th, the reigning powerhouse of the Veterans League’s “Softball, Quality of Life” 12th edition flexed their muscles yet again, securing their 12th doubleheader sweep of the season. That’s a scorching 66.7% sweep rate—proof that this team is in a class of its own. Game 1 had the Elephants digging deep, clawing back for a 16-15 thriller over the Shrimpers, showing championship resolve under pressure. They followed that with an absolute dismantling of Jagua, a 19-4 knockout in just five innings that left no doubt about who rules the diamond. Jagua, meanwhile, continued to struggle mightily, dropping both games by knockout for the eighth time this season—a tough stat that underscores their 44.4% double-defeat rate in weekend play. They fell 17-7 to the Shrimpers in the opener, extending their deficit to 17 games behind the Elephants in the standings. The Shrimpers, despite their own loss to the Elephants, remain 13 games out of first place—a distant second. Standout Performers: Luis Orlando Valladares (Jagua, V2) – earned MVP honors despite the tough day. Humberto León Lezcano (Shrimpers, V3) – a consistent spark for his squad. Juan Miguel Machado Pérez (Elephants) – the undisputed ace of the league, notching his 11th win (11-2, .846) while maintaining a league-best 2.07 WHIP. He’s the pitcher every team fears, and the one every contender will have to get through. The Elephants are on an unstoppable march, while the Shrimpers and Jagua scramble to keep pace. As the season barrels toward its final stretch, all eyes are on the Elephants—the team to beat in Veterans League softball. ⚾🔥

04 May 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 18

Weekend Sweep: Elephants Stampede Through Week 18 of Veterans League Play Sunday, May 4th delivered a statement from the Elephants, who once again roared through the competition in the 12th edition of the Veterans League’s “Softball, Quality of Life” Project, notching their 11th doubleheader sweep of the season. With an incredible 61.1% sweep rate across 18 weekends, the league leaders widened their already-dominant lead to 12 games over the Shrimpers and 15 over the Jagua. Game 1 saw the Elephants unleash a 16-3 knockout blow against the Shrimpers in just five innings, setting the tone for the day. They followed it up with another punishing performance, steamrolling the Jagua 17-7, also in five innings. Across both games, the Elephants racked up 38 hits and 33 runs, while committing just two errors—both in the second matchup—showcasing their blend of offensive firepower and defensive discipline. Juan Miguel Machado Pérez, the league’s southpaw sensation, continued his blistering form, picking up his 10th win of the season (10–2), good for an .833 winning percentage. His dominant outing against the Jagua further solidified his case as the top pitcher in the league. The Shrimpers, meanwhile, suffered a tough weekend, going 0-2 after falling 11-21 to Jagua in a six-inning knockout. Jagua snapped back with authority after their earlier loss, but still couldn’t close the gap in the standings. Sunday’s MVPs: Gerardo Falcón Poblet (Elephants) – a force on both sides of the ball. Máximo García Ramos (Jagua) – sparked the offense in their win over the Shrimpers. Humberto León Lezcano (Shrimpers) – a bright spot in an otherwise tough day. The league now pauses for a well-earned Mother’s Day break next weekend. Action resumes on Sunday, May 18th, as the race to the postseason heats up. Veterans League Softball: where age is just a number—and every weekend tells a story. ⚾🔥

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 16 Main Image

27 Apr 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 17

Veterans League Softball – Week 17 Recap: Stalemate at the Top, Fireworks on the Field This past Sunday, April 27th, the 12th season of the Veterans League’s “Softball, Quality of Life” initiative delivered another thriller of a tripleheader, and when the dust settled, well—“El Cuartico Se Quedó Igualito.” In a rare deadlock, all three squads walked away with a win and a loss apiece, leaving the standings unchanged but the drama dialed all the way up. The Elephants (Veterans 1) held firm atop the leaderboard, keeping their 10-game cushion over the Shrimpers (Veterans 3) and a commanding 14-game gap over Jagua (Veterans 2). But it wasn’t smooth sailing all day: after a surprise 9–10 stumble in their second game, the Elephants showed why they’re champions, storming back in the nightcap with a nail-biting 11–10 win over Jagua—literally snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and freezing out Jagua’s upset bid. Don’t sleep on the Jagua, though. The league’s basement dwellers came out swinging, pummeling the Shrimpers 17–7 in a knockout opener, and then pushing the Elephants to the absolute brink in a gutsy performance that belied their spot in the standings. Sunday’s Standout Performers: The spotlight shone brightly on two veteran warriors: Arnaldo “Nani” Bueno Silva (Jagua) turned back the clock with MVP-caliber performances in both games, refusing to go quietly. Ramón “El Majá” Vilches Benítez (Elephants) came up clutch again and again, earning back-to-back MVP nods and proving once more that big moments need big players. And let’s not forget the day’s final flourish: Juan Miguel Machado Pérez (Elephants), the southpaw ace, slammed the door shut in crunch time, nailing down his league-best 9th win (9–2 record, a blistering .818 win rate) to tighten his grip on the title of the league’s most dominant arm. Another epic Sunday in the Veterans League, where the standings might stand still, but the action never lets up! ⚾🔥

New members of the Institute of Superior Arts, Network of Arts Universities (RUA) hold up certificates of participation.

22 Apr 2025

Building Bridges in the Arts: Civitas GES Joins the University Network for the Arts (RUA)

Civitas GES is pleased to announce its membership into La Red Universitaria de Artes (RUA), or University Network for the Arts. Founded by El Instituto Superior de Las Artes in 2014, RUA is an initiative focused on improving arts education and academic cooperation among institutions.

20 Apr 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 16

Week 16 Recap: Veterans League Softball – Elephants Steamroll Ahead The 16th week of action in the 12th edition of the Veterans League’s "Softball, Quality of Life" Project delivered more of the same dominant storyline: the Elephants (Veterans 1) continued their iron grip on the league with yet another doubleheader sweep—their 10th of the season—while the Shrimpers battled to a split and the Jagua endured another rough outing, suffering their 7th double defeat of the campaign. In Game 1, the Elephants wasted no time asserting their authority, crushing the Shrimpers 11–1 in a knockout victory, showcasing both pitching precision and offensive firepower. But the real fireworks came in Game 2, which turned into an absolute slugfest. The Elephants and Jagua combined for a jaw-dropping 63 hits and 53 runs, with the Elephants emerging victorious 29–24 in a wild, back-and-forth battle that had fans catching their breath between innings. The Jagua’s woes didn’t stop there. In Game 3, they fell hard once again, this time to the Shrimpers, in a lopsided 15–4 knockout, marking another frustrating chapter in what’s been a challenging season. With these results, the Elephants have stretched their lead to a dominant 10 games over the Shrimpers, and a whopping 14-game cushion over the last-place Jagua, leaving little doubt about who’s the team to beat. Standout Performances: Hats off to Juan Carlos Mondeja (Elephants), Jorge Luis Nuñez (Jagua), and Eliécer Hernández (Shrimpers), who each earned MVP honors for their squads, delivering standout performances that kept their teams fighting in this fiercely competitive league.

13 Apr 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 15

Elephants Roar in Round 15, Notch Ninth Doubleheader Sweep** Sunday, April 13 — The Elephants (Veterans 1 Team) proved once again why they’re the top dogs of the Veterans League 12th Edition in the “Softball, Quality of Life” Project, pulling off yet another doubleheader sweep in Round 15. This marks their ninth sweep in 15 rounds—a stellar 60% success rate—as they extended their commanding lead to 9 games over the Shrimpers (Veterans 3) and 12 over the struggling Jagua (Veterans 2). Game 1 was nothing short of a classic. The Elephants narrowly edged the Jagua 17–16 in a back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Down 13–7 heading into the top of the sixth, Jagua erupted for 9 unanswered runs, stunning the stadium and flipping the script with a 16–13 lead. But the Elephants weren't going down quietly—they tied it up in the bottom half before delivering the final blow in the seventh. The hero of the hour? Juan Miguel Machado, who not only came through with the walk-off hit but also earned the win on the mound, showcasing his all-around dominance. Jagua’s misery continued in Game 2, dropping their sixth doubleheader of the season with a 17–13 loss to the Shrimpers. Right-hander Osvaldo Estable took the brunt, falling to a 7–13 record (.350 win rate) in what’s been a turbulent season for the V2 squad. In the day’s finale, the Elephants didn’t just win—they dominated. They silenced the Shrimpers with an emphatic 11–2 victory, powered by a pitching clinic from Manuel Gradaille Martín, who tossed five consecutive scoreless innings and allowed just one earned run. His MVP-worthy performance helped seal the sweep and further distanced the Elephants from their nearest competitors. As we head into the final stretch of the season, the narrative is crystal clear: The Elephants are in a league of their own, while the Shrimpers and Jagua are left scrambling to stay afloat in the standings.

06 Apr 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 14

Sunday, April 6 — Veterans League, “Softball, Quality of Life” Project It was a rollercoaster Sunday in the 14th journey of the 12th edition of the Veterans League, where all three squads split their doubleheaders, keeping the standings frozen in time. Or as the saying goes, “el cuartico se quedó igualito.” But make no mistake—this week delivered drama, heroics, and highlight-reel performances. The Shrimpers of Veterans 3 started their day strong, taking down the Jaguas (V2) 16–12 in a solid team effort. But their hopes of gaining ground were dashed in a slugfest with the league-leading Elephants (V1), falling just short in a heart-pounding 20–22 battle. The Shrimpers came within inches of knocking the Elephants out early in the 5th but couldn't land the final blow. Meanwhile, the Jaguas (V2) were staring down the barrel of their sixth straight doubleheader defeat, but they flipped the script in dramatic fashion during the final game of the day. Trailing 12–15 in the sixth inning, they “sacaron el juego literalmente del congelador”—pulling the win from the freezer with a stunning extra-innings comeback, ultimately toppling the Elephants 16–15. It was a much-needed morale booster for a team still trying to claw its way out of the cellar. Despite the stumble, the Elephants (V1) maintain a comfortable cushion at the top, now holding an 8-game lead over the Shrimpers (V3) and a 10-game gap over the Jaguas (V2). But Sunday's scare reminded everyone that no lead is ever fully safe in this league. The day's MVPs? Ernesto Sandoval was a force for the Elephants, showing his trademark grit and hustle, while Daniel Díaz lit it up for the Shrimpers, earning top honors in both of his team's matchups. With just a few weeks left, the Veterans League is heating up—stay tuned as the race tightens and legends are made.

30 Mar 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 13

Sunday, March 30 — Veterans League, “Softball, Quality of Life” Project The Elephants (Veterans 1 Team) continued their stampede through the 12th edition of the Veterans League with yet another dominant doubleheader sweep, their eighth of the season, boasting a remarkable 65.54% two-win rate. With 17 wins and just 7 losses, the Elephants have firmly entrenched themselves as the team to beat. Game 1 was a statement win—a 16–3 knockout blow against their longtime rivals, the Shrimpers (Veterans 3 Team). It was another tough outing for veteran pitcher Jorge Sánchez, who couldn’t withstand the Elephant onslaught. Game 2, however, was pure drama. Down early, the Elephants clawed their way back, tying the game in the bottom of the 7th before veteran slugger Wences Hernández stepped up with ice in his veins. In the 8th inning, he delivered a walk-off hit, igniting the crowd and sealing another unforgettable victory. Right-hander Yosvany María Córdova was lights out on the mound, picking up the win in both contests and continuing his stellar run this season. Meanwhile, it was another rough Sunday for the Jagua (Veterans 2 Team), who dropped both of their games, including a 16–5 knockout loss to the Shrimpers in the final matchup. The skid continues for a squad struggling to find rhythm in the back half of the season. With these results, the Elephants remain firmly in command of the league. The Shrimpers trail by 8 games, and the Jagua sit 10 games back, both now racing against time and consistency to close the gap before the regular season winds down. As the final stretch approaches, one thing’s clear—the road to the championship runs through the Elephants.

23 Mar 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 12

March 23rd, Veterans League — “Softball, Quality of Life” Project The Elephants of Veterans 1 continue to stomp their way through the 12th edition of the Veterans League, adding another clean sweep to their already dominant resume. Sunday’s doubleheader victory marked their seventh sweep in 12 weekends, bringing their success rate to a commanding 58.3% and extending their lead at the top of the standings to seven games over their nearest rivals, the Shrimpers of Veterans 3. The afternoon’s highlight came in dramatic walk-off fashion, as the Elephants edged out the Shrimpers 7–6 in a classic showdown that had fans on their feet. The Shrimpers, who earlier in the day cruised to a 16–9 win over the Jaguas of Veterans 2, looked poised for the upset after a four-run explosion in the top of the seventh inning gave them a narrow lead. But the Elephants, true to form, roared back in the bottom half—plating two runs and sealing the game with ice in their veins. On the mound, it was a battle of aces. Juan Miguel Machado Pérez improved his season record to 5–1, calmly handling the pressure to outduel Jorge Sánchez Rodríguez, who now sits at 5–6 after a valiant effort in defeat. Machado’s poise and consistency continue to anchor the Elephants’ championship push. Elsewhere, it was a day to forget for the Jaguas, who dropped both of their Sunday matchups and slid back into the cellar of the standings—now eight games behind the league leaders. Their struggles leave little margin for error as the season enters its final stretch. With the Elephants firing on all cylinders, the rest of the field has their work cut out. But in the Veterans League, anything can happen—and the next showdown is always just one swing away from turning the tide.

16 Mar 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 11

Week 11 of the Veterans League’s 12th edition under the “Softball, Quality of Life” banner served up fireworks on the diamond—but when the dust settled, the standings stood firm. As the Cuban saying goes, “El cuartico se quedó igualito”—nothing changed at the top, nor at the bottom. The Elephants (Veterans 1), still sitting pretty with a commanding six-game lead, hit a speed bump in their second outing, falling to the hungry Shrimpers (Veterans 3). Earlier in the day, the Shrimpers had taken a hit of their own, dropping their opening game to the ever-scrappy Jaguas (Veterans 2). But just when it looked like the Elephants might stumble through the day, they delivered a reminder of why they’re the team to beat. Down 9–13 in the top of the fourth against the Jaguas, the Elephants unleashed an offensive tsunami—14 runs in a single inning! Fueled by 15 total hits, including a jaw-dropping 11 consecutive base knocks, the Elephants flipped the game on its head in explosive fashion. Capping off the comeback was none other than Juan Miguel Machado Pérez, the star right-hander who locked down the top of the 5th with a flawless frame, securing his fourth win of the season. His dominant outing sealed a wild, emotional victory for the league leaders and sent a clear message: the Elephants may falter, but they don’t fall. With all three teams splitting wins on the day, the standings remain frozen—but with intensity like this on display, the championship race is heating up fast. Stay tuned, because in this league, every inning writes a new story.

09 Mar 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 10

The 10th week of the 12th Veterans League edition of the Softball, Quality of Life Project delivered a stunning shake-up, as the seemingly untouchable Elephants (Veterans 1) suffered a rare Sunday doubleheader sweep. It was only the second time this season that the league leaders had been toppled twice in a single outing, and the fallout was immediate—visible frustration, heated exchanges, and a squad rattled by the unexpected collapse. Seizing the moment in emphatic fashion were the Jaguas (Veterans 2), who erupted for their first doubleheader sweep of the campaign. Their statement win included a knockout blow against the top-ranked Elephants, led by right-handed ace Osvaldo Estable, who claimed victory in both matchups. The crucial sweep allowed the Jaguas to claw their way out of last place—at least for now. Meanwhile, the Shrimpers (Veterans 3) managed to split their games, notching one win and one loss. With the latest results, a fierce battle for second place has emerged, as both the Shrimpers and Jaguas now sit deadlocked with identical 8-12 records—six games behind the still-dominant but suddenly vulnerable Elephants. With momentum shifting and tensions rising, all eyes are on next week’s action. Can the Elephants regain their composure, or has this double defeat exposed cracks in their championship armor? The race is far from over!

02 Mar 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 9

The Elephants (Veterans 1) continued their relentless charge atop the standings, securing yet another Sunday doubleheader sweep in Week 9 of the 12th Veterans League edition of the Softball, Quality of Life Project. With their latest triumph on March 2, 2025, they have now clinched six doubleheader victories in the nine weeks played, boasting a commanding 14-4 record and solidifying their position as the undisputed frontrunners. Meanwhile, the Shrimpers (Veterans 3) endured another tough outing, dropping both games and slipping seven games behind the red-hot Elephants. With the season progressing, their championship hopes are hanging by a thread. The Jaguas (Veterans 2), on the other hand, managed to salvage a split on the day but remain in the league’s basement, now eight games off the pace and just one game behind the Shrimpers. The Elephants flexed their offensive muscle in style, with Liris Cardenas, Humberto López Dorticós, and Yosbany López each launching home runs in the final showdown. But the real star of the day was right-handed ace Yordanis Quiñones, who delivered another masterclass on the mound, securing both victories. Quiñones now leads the league in two crucial categories—boasting a flawless 1.000 win-loss average and topping the charts with four victories. With their consistent dominance and star power firing on all cylinders, the Elephants are looking nearly unstoppable. Will anyone rise to challenge their reign, or are they marching toward another championship coronation? Stay tuned as the battle continues!

23 Feb 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 8

The Elephants (Veterans 1) continue to stampede through the competition, securing yet another Sunday doubleheader sweep in Week 8 of the 12th Veterans League edition of the Project: Softball, Quality of Life. With two more wins on February 23, they further tightened their grip on the top spot, now sitting five games clear of their closest challengers, the Shrimpers (Veterans 3). In the second matchup of the day, the Elephants sent a statement with a commanding knockout victory over their longtime rivals, the Shrimpers. Then, in the final showdown, they showcased their resilience, rallying from behind to edge out the Jaguas (Veterans 2) in dramatic fashion. Meanwhile, it was another rough outing for the Jaguas, who suffered back-to-back losses, sinking further into the standings, now trailing the Elephants by seven games. With the championship still in its early stages, they’ll need to turn things around quickly to stay in the race. A standout performance came from the Elephants' ace, Juan Miguel Machado Pérez, who delivered on the mound, notching victories in both games and solidifying his reputation as a key force in their dominant run. With momentum fully on their side, the Elephants are charging toward glory. Can anyone stop their reign, or will they continue to crush the competition? The battle for the title rages on!

16 Feb 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 7

Sunday’s action in the 12th edition of the Veterans League brought plenty of excitement but no movement in the standings, as all three teams split their matchups, keeping the race steady heading into the next round. The league-leading Elephants (Veterans 1) had a rocky start, suffering a tough 3-11 defeat at the hands of the red-hot Shrimpers (Veterans 3). However, they bounced back in a high-scoring thriller, edging out the Jaguas (Veterans 2) in a nail-biter, 15-14. The Shrimpers looked poised for a perfect day after their dominant win over the Elephants, but they couldn't keep the momentum going, falling 4-8 to the Jaguas in the final showdown. Meanwhile, the Jaguas experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, dropping their first game in heartbreaking fashion to the Elephants before securing redemption with their victory over the Shrimpers. With these results, the Elephants remain firmly in control at the top of the standings with a 10-4 record, maintaining a four-game lead over the Shrimpers (6-8) and a five-game gap over the Jaguas (5-9). As the second half of the season heats up, the Shrimpers and Jaguas will need to find consistency if they hope to challenge the Elephants' dominance. Can they close the gap, or will the Elephants continue their march toward another championship? Stay tuned—the battle is far from over!

09 Feb 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 6

Week 6 of the 12th Veterans League edition brought a stunning twist to the season, as the seemingly unstoppable Elephants (Veterans 1) suffered a rare setback. After four straight weeks of doubleheader sweeps and a dominant nine-game winning streak, the league leaders were knocked back with two tough losses on Sunday, proving that even giants can fall. On the flip side, it was a statement weekend for the Shrimpers (Veterans 3). After weeks of frustration, they roared back to life with a much-needed doubleheader sweep, securing sole possession of second place and cutting the Elephants' lead to four games. Their resurgence injects fresh excitement into the title race as they look to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Jaguas (Veterans 2) endured a tough outing, dropping both of their games and sliding to the bottom of the standings. Now trailing the top spot by five games, they face an uphill battle to climb back into contention. With the Elephants showing vulnerability and the Shrimpers gaining steam, the league is heating up fast. Will this be the turning point of the season, or will the Elephants shake off their slump and reassert their dominance? The next chapter of this thrilling campaign awaits!

CUNY City College of New York students and Instituto Superior De Las Artes Students share a laugh during a jam session at the ISA Campus in Havana.

04 Feb 2025

Jazz Diplomacy in Havana

ISA student, Rocío...

Players take a moment to acknowledge the founders and players who have passed.

02 Feb 2025

Softbol Veteranos Season 12 Week 5

The fifth week of the 12th Veterans League edition carried extra significance as it coincided with the 11th anniversary of the "Softball, Quality of Life" project. To mark the occasion, project coordinator and founder Juan Ramón Díaz Hernández took center stage after the first game, gathering the veteran athletes for an emotional tribute. In a symbolic journey through time, he reflected on 11 years of perseverance, achievements, and camaraderie. A historic moment was captured in a commemorative photo featuring the league’s founding members who were present for this special day. On the field, the Elephants (Veterans 1) continued their relentless march toward dominance. For the fourth consecutive week, they swept their Sunday doubleheader, improving to a near-flawless 9-1 record and tightening their grip at the top of the standings with a commanding six-game lead. The driving force behind their latest triumph? Star right-hander Yosvany María Córdova, who delivered a masterclass on the mound, securing both wins for his team. Meanwhile, the Jaguas (Veterans 2) suffered a costly doubleheader loss, opening the door for the Shrimpers (Veterans 3) to catch up. With both teams now sitting at 3-7, they find themselves locked in a battle at the bottom of the standings, desperately seeking a turnaround before the gap widens further. With the Elephants charging ahead and the rest of the league struggling to keep pace, the coming weeks will be crucial. Can anyone slow down the powerhouse squad, or will they continue to stampede their way toward another title? Stay tuned—this season is just getting started!