Many a time, I’ve read or heard the phrase; ‘Reality exceeds fiction any day of the week.’ Well let me tell ya’; it’s true. The 2017 Buenos Aires Shankees (9-0) have done what no team in Argentine baseball history has ever done; go undefeated into a A2 division championship final. And who better to be facing than arch rivals the Cubans (6-3), who defeated the Shankees 6-5 in the bottom of the 9th inning to wrap-up both teams inaugural seasons in 2009. That was the last time the Shankees were in a final and the only time the Cubans ever won it. Team President, Paul Perry, who totally revamped his team at the end of the 2016 season, has done a great job alongside manager Jay Bartelli and US recruit and sponsor, Scott Weaver, to assemble a team that took local baseball to the next level. However, as the gods of baseball don’t always play fair, a set of obstacles lay scattered across their road to glory. With their workhorse Fabian Placencia aching from multiple 100+ pitch games (all wins), starting shortstop and team captain, Mariano Boccardo out with a pulled hamstring, younger sibling Lucas Boccardo serving the 2nd of his eight 8 game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, and first base/at-the-dish sensation, Jeret Adair back stateside, the Shankees will have their work cut out for them before the heavy-hitting Cubans. Nevertheless, the Shankees look good going in with back up players like pitchers Enker Herrera and Rafmil Rodriguez, catchers Ivan Zapata and Marcos Agudelo, and many more Shankees waiting in the wings. When asked about Saturday’s big game, Perry said, “Shankees baseball is by far the most exciting. I’m just happy to give everyone their fair dose.” The Shankees face the Cuban Almendares at the Ezieza Stadium. Game time 2:30. Shankees Team/Bus from Palermo 12:00 Sharp. Reporting for the Shankee Press, Jack Green.