The National Baseball Postseason Returns.
Different methods to determine the tournament’s champion, which so far have fulfilled their purpose of providing a great spectacle for the fans.
The postseason, or «playoffs,» of the 64th National Baseball Series is about to begin, using the same format as in recent years: eight qualified teams and best-of-seven series. Since its inception in 1986, these games have undergone numerous variations. Initially, many fans disagreed with this system of extra games, but the playoffs undoubtedly possess a certain magic, a charm that fills stadiums and creates a true sporting spectacle.
From the first (1986) to the fourth (1989), the competitions were round-robin tournaments, with the qualified teams competing, and the champion being the team with the best winning percentage among them. The fifth tournament introduced a change, with the first-place teams from each zone playing for the title and the second-place teams playing for third place.
The sixth playoff series, in 1991, and the following year, used a crossover system (first place from each zone against second place from the other zone, with the winners playing for the title). Starting in 1993, the series was maintained between the leaders of the different groups (A-B for the West and B-C for the East) to determine the zone champions, who then faced off in seven games for the national championship.
Another format for the final series was introduced in 1998 with the implementation of a qualifying system based on the top teams from each group and the two teams with the best win-loss records from each zone. This system was used during the 90-game regular season for each team, with a round-robin format. Eight teams advanced to the second phase, reinforced with five players from the eliminated teams. The top four teams from this second phase then advanced to the playoffs, where they faced off in a crossover format to compete for the championship.
Since the current 75-game qualifying system began, the top eight teams have competed in a best-of-seven format, with the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals taking place.
Now, a change has been implemented: the teams that finish in the top two spots in the qualifying round automatically advance to the Cuban Baseball League, even if they lose in the playoffs. These different methods for determining the best team in the tournament have so far succeeded in providing a great spectacle for the fans.
Written by Francisco Soriano.
