Kleyvert Rodriguez Cueto: A Sardinian Baseball Legacy
Kleyvert Rodriguez Cueto, affectionately known as “Kley,” has become a familiar face in Sardinian baseball and softball. His journey began in 2009 when he arrived on the island to coach Nuoro Softball, an A1 team. His dedication quickly propelled him to the manager position, leading the team to an Italian Cup victory in 2011 and a remarkable second-place finish in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 2012.
After seven successful years in Nuoro, rodriguez transitioned to Cagliari Baseball, where he served as both a pitcher and pitching coach under manager Walter Angioi. He contributed to the team’s performance in both A2 and B leagues until 2019.
In 2020, Rodriguez accepted a coaching position with Supramonte Orgosolo, an A2 softball team. Initially working alongside manager Benito Francia Ventura, he eventually took the helm in the 2021 season. His leadership steered the team to a commendable salvation,securing their position five weeks before the regular season concluded.
While his collaboration with Supramonte ended in the fall of 2022, Rodriguez remains deeply involved in Sardinian baseball advancement. He is a key figure in the Fibs Regional Academy, an initiative spearheaded by Lucio Silvetti, president of the Regional Committee. The academy aims to elevate the skills of young Sardinian players,and through rigorous selections,16 promising prospects from Cagliari Baseball,Cubasard Quartu,Shardana Iglesias,and Black Sheep Sassari were chosen to participate.Since October, these young athletes have been training under Rodriguez’s guidance, alongside a distinguished coaching staff including Walter Angioi (offensive phase), Roberto greaves (defensive phase), and Antonio Filosa (athletic training). The academy follows a structured program of two intensive training weekends followed by a break, ensuring a balanced approach to player development.
Rodriguez’s commitment extends beyond the academy. He actively collaborates with Metropolitan Cagliari, Shardana Iglesias, and Cubasard Quartu, sharing his expertise and experience. He is also passionate about promoting baseball and softball in schools across Cagliari and Oristano, nurturing the next generation of players.
Despite his numerous commitments, Rodriguez hasn’t hung up his cleats. After stints with cagliari and Catalana Alghero, he has joined Cubasard Quartu for the 2023 season, opting for the regional C league. While he received an offer to return to A1 with Cagliari, he chose to mentor a young team, drawing parallels to his experience in Cagliari in 2015.
Rodriguez’s heart remains firmly rooted in Nuoro, where he married a sardinian woman in 2012 and established a family. his dedication to Sardinian baseball and softball is evident in his tireless efforts to develop young talent and contribute to the sport’s growth on the island.
