Cuban War of Independence Santiago, and established a base. The port of Santiago became the main target of naval operations. The U.S. fleet attacking Santiago needed shelter from the summer hurricane season, thus nearby Guantánamo Bay, with its excellent harbor, was chosen for this purpose and attacked on June 6 (1898 invasion of Guantánamo Bay). The Battle of Santiago de Cuba on July 3, 1898 was the largest naval engagement during the Spanish–American War, resulting in the destruction of the Spanish Caribbean Squadron (Flota de Ultramar). Resistance in Santiago consolidated around Fort Canosa, All the while, major battles between Spaniards and Americans took place
Santiago de Cuba (baseball) between the two cities (La Habana and Santiago de Cuba) dating back to the era when Cuba was a colony of Spain two centuries ago. The Super Classic of the Cuban National Series between Santiago de Cuba and Industriales takes place six times per season. The "Avispas" (Wasps) won three straight titles during the seasons ending in 1999, 2000, and 2001. The club also won the title during the season ending in 2008. Santiago de Cuba sent only one player to the 2006 World Baseball Classic, pitcher Ormari Romero. But to the 2009 World Baseball Classic Santiago de Cuba sent