Action of 13 June 1898 decided to withdraw. At the outbreak of the Spanish–American War Cienfuegos was a strategically important port due to its facilities and good communications with Havana. Some prewar plans recommended its prompt capture, but instead it was blockaded, along with some other important ports of the southern coast of Cuba such as Santiago de Cuba and Manzanillo. The most powerful Spanish naval units of the island, meanwhile, had been gathered in Santiago, and submarine defenses consisting mainly of torpedoes had been installed in the major ports of Havana, Cienfuegos, Santiago and San Juan de Puerto Rico. The naval units based in
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