Cuban Stars in MLB: The Dilemma Between Triumph and Silence on the Island

In the world of baseball, the performance of Cuban players in the Major Leagues often goes unnoticed on the island. A clear example was the outstanding performance of Aroldis Chapman, closer for the Boston Red Sox, who achieved 16 consecutive appearances without allowing runs this season. However, media coverage in Cuba was minimal. The lack of media attention also extends to other Cuban players who shine in MLB, such as Andy Pages of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Yariel Rodríguez of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Andy Ibáñez of the Detroit Tigers. Their postseason achievements are not usually highlighted in the sports summaries of state television.

A Baseball Tradition with Challenges

Cuba, historically, has been the cradle of great baseball talents, many of whom have left an indelible mark on the history of this sport. However, the situation on the island differs from other countries with a large presence of players abroad, such as Venezuela or the Dominican Republic, where fans closely follow and celebrate the successes of their stars.

The ban on professional baseball in Cuba in 1962 redirected fans’ focus to the local league, the Serie Nacional. This measure, however, created difficulties for players seeking to reach MLB, as they were legally contracted by the Cuban government. This situation spurred the exodus of talent starting in the eighties. Hundreds of players left their delegations during international events or left the country illegally to be hired as free agents. Between 2016 and 2022, according to official data, 635 baseball players left Cuba. Furthermore, many Cuban baseball players who managed to reach the Major Leagues have publicly expressed their stance against the Cuban government.

The Divided Fanbase

This dynamic has generated a division among fans. At the Latin American Stadium in Havana, for example, unconditional support is observed for the local team, Industriales. However, fans also closely follow the performance of players like Andy Pages, of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who many predict a bright future for. “I would follow it much more (MLB) if they had the opportunity to broadcast it.” – Cuban fan The lack of MLB broadcasts in Cuba forces fans to seek alternatives, such as using the Wi-Fi of cafes and hotels to follow the games live. The ostracism towards Cuban players in the Major Leagues affects everyone, even those who have avoided talking about politics. Andy Pages, for example, has expressed his desire to be called up by the Cuban national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

For many fans, the times of sports bans are changing. The 2023 World Baseball Classic marked a milestone by bringing together active Major League players for the first time since 1962. Although not all the stars were present, the Cuban team reached the semifinals, a significant achievement. This experiment was a success, and it is expected to be repeated in the future.