Caribbean Series Kids 2026: Panama's Federales de Chiriquí begin tournament preparations

The Federales de Chiriquí, Panama's chosen representatives for the 2026 Caribbean Series Kids, have commenced their intensive preparation for the regional youth baseball tournament. The event is scheduled to be held in Nayarit, Mexico, from August 10 to 16.

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Today is a day we go straight to the game: We are going to be observing the players. As we have arrived today, we still haven't had time to talk to them. We are going to wait after the game to try to talk to them a little and explain what our plan will be in this tournament.

Team manager Eddie Serrano stated that the initial phase focuses on evaluating player performance during practice sessions and upcoming exhibition games. Three preparatory matches are planned, which will serve as the basis for selecting the final squad. "Today is a day we go straight to the game: We are going to be observing the players," Serrano said. "As we have arrived today, we still haven't had time to talk to them. We are going to wait after the game to try to talk to them a little and explain what our plan will be in this tournament."

Serrano noted that the coaching staff, including assistants Elpidio Pinto and César Flores, has been closely monitoring the players, many of whom participated in the Probeis Kids and the U12 National Baseball Championship. "We have always been aware of the games, along with (assistants) Elpidio Pinto and César Flores, we have been noting everything. We just need to watch these games to see if they have maintained their level," Serrano commented.

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We have always been aware of the games, along with (assistants) Elpidio Pinto and César Flores, we have been noting everything. We just need to watch these games to see if they have maintained their level.

The Panamanian team will face the Dominican Republic, the current two-time champions, in their opening game. Serrano views this matchup positively: "I like that we play right out of the gate against the Dominican Republic, the two-time champion. I feel it will be a game that will toughen us up, because when you play against the champion, it will help the children break the ice." The Federales plan to employ a "small game" strategy, focusing on tactics like bunting and base running, which Serrano believes will be effective. "What we are looking for is to have a good tournament, God willing, to become champions, why not?" Serrano stated. "That is what we are going to try to put in the children's minds, that we go not just to participate as in other tournaments, but to try to think big, like winning a championship."

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I like that we play right out of the gate against the Dominican Republic, the two-time champion. I feel it will be a game that will toughen us up, because when you play against the champion, it will help the children break the ice.

Currently, the Federales roster comprises 31 players, from whom the final team competing for Panama will be selected. This marks the third edition of the Caribbean Series Kids.

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What we are looking for is to have a good tournament, God willing, to become champions, why not? That is what we are going to try to put in the children's minds, that we go not just to participate as in other tournaments, but to try to think big, like winning a championship.