Miners to host Cuban National Team
AUGUSTA — The Sussex County Miners 2016 schedule has been released and will feature a series against one of the most prominent teams in the world, as the Miners will host the Cuban National Team for three games at Skylands Stadium.
The Miners’ home opener will be on Friday, May 20, against the Rockland Boulders. Sussex County will play 53 home games, as part of a 100-game season.
Cuba's national team has historically been a powerhouse on the international baseball scene, winning Olympic gold medals three times, the Pan American Games championship 12 times, and the IBAF Baseball World Cup championship 25 times. In addition, Cuba finished second at the 2006 World Baseball Classic. The team was available to play Can-Am League opponents in 2016 as there are no international tournaments which conflict with its schedule this year.
The Miners will also host an All-Star team from Japan’s Shikoku Island League for the second straight season. The Shikoku Island League is Japan's top independent baseball league, playing an 80-game schedule during its regular season. In 2015, its all-star team played 16 games against Can-Am League opponents, and was competitive with a 6-10 overall record. Sussex County will play a four-game series against the Shikoku Island League All-Stars June 9-12.
"We are thrilled to be able to showcase two great international teams," said Can-Am League commissioner Miles Wolff. "The fact that both teams will be part of our regular season schedule is unique. We are honored that the Cuban national team respects the Can-Am League and will send their best team. In addition, the Shikoku Island League so enjoyed last year's season series that they are returning to continue the competition."
All six league clubs from 2015 will return and play a 100-game regular-season schedule, beginning May 19 and ending September 5: the New Jersey (Little Falls) Jackals, Ottawa Champions, Quebec (Quebec City) Capitales, Rockland Boulders (Pomona, N.Y.), Sussex County Miners (Augusta, N.J.) and Trois-Rivieres (Quebec) Aigles. The Miners will open the season on the road against Rockland on Thursday, May 19.
The playoff structure remains the same as in 2015, with the top four clubs reaching the postseason, and two best-of-five series determining the league champion. For the first time since 2011, teams will not play interleague games against American Association opponents. However, Can-Am League players will participate in the American Association All-Star Game on Aug. 2 at CHS Field in St. Paul, Minn.