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The Cuban musician Cándido Fabré shared an impassioned message on social media questioning the presence of Cuban Major League baseball players on the national team and denounced the loss of "baseball pride" in Cuba.
In his profile on Facebook, Fabré, known for his commitment to the regime, nostalgically recalled the times when the Island was a global powerhouse in baseball, built on talents fully developed within the country.
"The times of Fidel were pure revolution, socialism, total commitment, international results, Cuban pride. Cuba was the envy of the world of baseball," he wrote.
According to the artist, young athletes perceive that to reach the Cuba team, it is necessary to play in Major Leagues, and he criticized the insufficient recognition of the efforts of athletes who have remained in the national sports system despite the challenges.
"Why is the sacrifice of those who give themselves wholeheartedly in the blazing sun, with a thousand personal needs, like Samón, Cepeda, Avilés, Danel, Castro, among others, not respected here?" he asked.
The musician lamented what he sees as a loss of sense of belonging in Cuban baseball and expressed a phrase that has resonated on social media.
"We're partying to see which of the millionaire players want to play for Cuba," he declared.
A critique with emotional and political weight
Fabré, who has written songs in defense of the dictatorship, criticized that baseball has been declared a national heritage "when people in the neighborhoods no longer play ball" and warned about the demotivation of new generations.
"Many leave the country with the hopes of one day being able to represent our Cuba, which in these years has not performed well even with Major League Baseball, only dismal performances," he expressed.
He also defended historic coaches like Pacheco, Víctor Mesa, Urquiola, and Jorge Fuentes for their work in training athletes from the grassroots level, but lamented that many of them "are growing older in oblivion."
Professionals in the Cuba team
Fabré's statements come at a time when the presence of Cuban players in foreign leagues, particularly in Major League Baseball (MLB), has sparked divisions both within and outside the Island.
Since 2022, following an agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Cuban players can be signed to professional leagues abroad and represent Cuba internationally, as long as they have not deserted delegations or criticized the Government.
Although the measure has allowed for the inclusion of prominent figures in Cuban baseball in tournaments like the World Baseball Classic, it has also reignited the debate about meritocracy, ideological commitment, and the position of athletes who remain on the Island.
In recent years, dozens of Cuban baseball players have left the country in search of professional opportunities, and many have signed million-dollar contracts in MLB.
The agreement between the American league and the Cuban federation that would allow players to be signed without emigrating was canceled by the administration of Donald Trump in 2019, amidst the tightening of sanctions on Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Baseball and the Controversy with Cándido Fabré
Why did Cándido Fabré criticize the presence of MLB players on the Cuba team?
Cándido Fabré criticized the presence of MLB players on the Cuba team because he believes that the "baseball pride" that characterized the country has been lost. According to him, local talents who have remained faithful to the national sports system are not sufficiently recognized, and he laments that Cuban baseball relies on millionaire players from the MLB.
What is Cándido Fabré's position on the current situation of baseball in Cuba?
Cándido Fabré expresses a critique of the current situation of baseball in Cuba, lamenting that baseball has been declared a national heritage "when it is no longer played in the neighborhoods." He denounces the lack of motivation among the new generations and the lack of recognition for historical coaches. He also criticizes that, despite having MLB players, Cuba does not achieve good results in international tournaments.
How has the agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and MLB affected Cuban players?
The agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and MLB, which allowed Cuban players to be signed by professional leagues abroad, has generated divisions. While it has enabled the inclusion of prominent figures in international tournaments, it has also stirred controversy regarding meritocracy and ideological commitment, causing many local players to feel undervalued.
What impact does the departure of Cuban baseball players from the country have on national baseball?
The ongoing exodus of Cuban baseball players in search of better opportunities abroad reflects a deep crisis in national baseball. This is due to material limitations, a lack of international exposure, and state control over sports careers. This phenomenon has weakened local talent and increased the disconnect between players and the Cuban sports system.
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