What began as an ambitious project to give voice and space to Cuban exiled baseball players has just come to an end.
The Cuban Federation of Professional Baseball (FEPCUBE) officially announced its dissolution this Friday, September 5, after nearly two years of attempts to establish itself as a real alternative to the baseball controlled by the Havana regime.
The announcement was made by journalist Daniel de Malas, CEO of the news website Swing Completo and press chief of the organization, through a video shared on the digital platforms of that outlet.
"It's over. The Cuban Professional Baseball Federation no longer exists, much to the delight of those who despised such a beautiful concept and to the sorrow of all who believed in it," he expressed with visible frustration.
De Malas did not hold back in criticizing the lack of commitment from many players who, in his view, preferred to protect their personal interests rather than support the project.
"Unfortunately, the active professional Cuban baseball players, the vast majority, turned their backs to protect their interests, to continue visiting their families in Cuba, to avoid discussing politics, or worse, out of fear of what others might say," he pointed out.
A project that aimed to bring together Cuban stars
FEPCUBE was founded in late 2023 with the hope of forming a Cuban "Dream Team" in exile, capable of competing in international tournaments with the best talent scattered across Major League Baseball.
Among the most notable names were Aroldis Chapman, Jorge Soler, the brothers Yuli and Lourdes Gurriel, Orlando "Duque" Hernández - in a management position - and young prospects like Edgar Quero, now with the Chicago White Sox.
The objective was clear: to provide a legitimate space for the players who had left the Island in search of a professional career, away from the state control that monopolizes sports in Cuba.
However, the journey was fraught with obstacles, both external and internal.
The debut that never arrived
The historic opportunity seemed to arrive in January 2024 when the Federation was invited to the Intercontinental Baseball Series in Barranquilla, Colombia, alongside teams from Japan, South Korea, Curaçao, the United States, and the host nation.
However, just a few days before the start, the Colombian Ministry of Sport and the Olympic Committee of that country canceled the event, stating that they could not recognize FEPCUBE as an official team.
The decision, which was met with the approval of the Cuban regime and the complicit silence of Gustavo Petro's government, was interpreted by the organization as political censorship.
"The primary reason for this cancellation was to prevent the Cuban team from participating in the event. It is an insult to democracy and a concession to totalitarianism," their executives denounced at the time.
The official debut was thwarted, and FEPCUBE was relegated to exhibition matches.
In Miami, they managed to compete against university teams like Miami Dade College, but they were never able to take their "free selection" to the international stage they dreamed of.
Desertions, resignations, and controversies
Political setbacks were compounded by internal crises. In 2024, filmmaker Ian Padrón, who served as the spokesperson and public relations officer for the organization, resigned citing personal reasons.
Although he assured that he would continue supporting the project, his departure generated surprise and doubts among the followers.
Previously, the player Yunel Escobar had left the team.
There were also clashes with public figures such as the rapper Yotuel Romero, who prohibited FEPCUBE from using the slogan "Patria y Vida" on the team’s cap.
Swing Completo also criticized the lack of support from many active professional players, influenced by speculation and pressure from certain social media platforms, as well as the invasive stance of the sport on the Island.
The definitive closure
In his farewell message, Daniel de Malas thanked the few players who remained loyal to the project until the end, especially the legends of Cuban baseball who supported the cause.
"One feels secondhand embarrassment for all those who turned their backs on something so spectacular. First it was the Association of Players, and now it's the Federation. Unfortunately, there won't be a third time that's the charm," he remarked bitterly.
In this way, a chapter comes to a close that sought to unite the diaspora of Cuban baseball under a single uniform, free from political and bureaucratic ties.
According to Swing Completo, members of FEPCUBE remain hopeful for a revival in the distant future, but given the current reality, this seems impossible.
"Why did we let an opportunity like this slip away? Why were they so intent from exile on aiding the destruction of FEPCUBE?" he questioned.
The dream of FEPCUBE, which promised to be a cry for independence in the diamonds of the world, is fading away, leaving behind a bitter sense of missed opportunity and unfinished struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dissolution of FEPCUBE and Cuban Baseball
Why was the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (FEPCUBE) dissolved?
The dissolution of FEPCUBE is attributed to the lack of commitment from many Cuban ballplayers who preferred to prioritize their personal interests and avoid getting involved in political matters. Additionally, the project faced political obstacles and the cancellation of important events, such as the Intercontinental Baseball Series in Colombia, which undermined its efforts to establish itself as an alternative to the baseball controlled by the Cuban regime.
What was the main objective of FEPCUBE?
The main objective of FEPCUBE was to provide a legitimate space for Cuban baseball players in exile to compete in international tournaments, bringing together the Cuban stars scattered throughout Major League Baseball. It aimed to create a Cuban "Dream Team" that could play without the political and bureaucratic constraints imposed by the Cuban government.
What impact did the cancellation of the agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and MLB have?
The cancellation of the agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) and MLB under the Trump administration imposed new requirements for Cuban players to sign contracts with Major League teams. This change aims to eliminate the trafficking of players organized by the Cuban government and has deepened the rift between official Cuban baseball and the U.S. professional system.
How has the exodus of Cuban baseball players affected baseball on the island?
The massive exodus of Cuban baseball players has weakened the quality of the National Series, as many young talents have chosen to emigrate in search of better professional opportunities and contracts in the Major Leagues. This talent drain has eroded the competitive level of Cuban baseball and reflects the dissatisfaction with conditions on the island.
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