By Gustavo A Maranges on December 11, 2022 from Havana
photo: Bill Hackwell
Once again, the U.S. policy toward Cuba interferes in yet another aspect of Cuba’s lives. This time it is not about the blockade, which is a daily thing, nor about absurd declarations or lists, but something that Cubans carry in their DNA and is part of their culture and history: baseball.
A few months ago, when the call for the 5th World Baseball Classic was released, the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) decided to give in and summoned Cuban baseball players who play in foreign leagues or live abroad to make up the pre-selection of our team for this event. Most of these players are on major league teams in the US.
But Cuban fans welcomed this step forward since it is meant to fulfill one of their historical requests. On the other hand, we cannot ignore that baseball on the island is going through a critical moment due to the brain and athletic drain and the country’s difficult economic situation, which limits the resources available for the practice and development of the national sport. However, despite everything, Cuba managed to enter the world’s biggest baseball tournament.
The call by the FCB was made selectively, depending on the team’s needs, and respecting sports ethics and Cuban pride, which may seem wrong for some people, but is still fair. It has nothing to do with politics, as many claims. However, it did not prevent Florida from starting the usual negative bickering following a decision by Cuba to approach its emigration.
Hence, the Association of Cuban Professional Baseball Players (ACPBP) is leading the lobbying to prevent Cuban players from the Major League Baseball (MLB) from joining again in a Cuban uniform performing for their country of origin. Even though many of the players expressed a desire to do so. In fact, it is not an attack against the Cuban government, but at the expense of all baseball lovers.
These pressures, even when led by the ACPBP as the visible face, are driven by anti-Cuban circles in the capitol and Florida and have prevented Cuba from sending the 50 pre-selected players list, whose deadline was November 19 for all participants. But this is the tip of the iceberg.
Maybe many people ignore that Cuban baseball players must give up their Cuban citizenship and sign a clause assuring they have no contact with the Cuban authorities before being hired to play in the major league. This is something that no player from any other country is required to do. This is why the MLB has not yet authorized the Cuban players who have agreed to be part of the team, despite the efforts of the FCB. Hiding behind meetings and team managers’ reservations has been the façade of a move that reveals how rooted anti-Cuban politics are. It is clear they really don’t care about Cuban players’ wishes or their fans, but the dirty politics of punishing Cuba at any and all possibilities.
This is not surprising at all if we take into account that the U.S. Department of State allowed Cuba to attend the event only ten days ago. It seems surreal that a country has to wait for another’s agreement before taking part in a sports competition, despite having secured its place through its own efforts. However, it is Cuba’s case, the only country subject to these regulations, which have even prevented the team and the athletes from collecting any prize money they may get.
Despite all this political gamesmanship, the FCB’s call has been answered by most of those contacted, among them Andy Ibañez (Texas Rangers), Yoan Lopez (New York Mets), Elian Leyva (Naranjeros de Hermosillo), Yoan Moncada (Chicago White Sox), Yoenis Cespedes (Aguilas Cibaeñas) and Onelkis Garcia (Aguilas Cibaeñas). The ACPBP immediately registered its surprise and by getting in touch to “warn them of the consequences of their decision.” Faced with this cheap blackmail, several players decided to resign from this already discredited and politicized organization. As the saying goes: blood is thicker than water.
Wearing the uniform with Cuba written on it for those who live and play abroad is a matter of national and personal pride. It means reconnecting with the country which formed them and the fans who saw them grow into being sports aces. It is a real shame that, once again, political issues interfere in people’s lives to the point of preventing their fulfillment.
Being dug in has characterized both sides in this story, but today, when one of them has given in, the other insists on extending this nonsense reminiscent of the Cold War. Today the ball is on the U.S. side. Why can’t politics take a break here for baseball, loved in both countries?
Source: Resumen Latinoamricano – US