Related videos:
The former Cuban pitcher Orlando “El Duque” Hernández called the players who agree to play for the Cuban national team “cowards,” stating that there is a repressive and oppressive regime in place.
“Anyone who supports playing with the Cuban national team is a coward”, stated the former player on the show “Así de Franco con Omar”, hosted by the Cuban actor and comedian Omar Franco.
The comment sparked extensive debate among followers of Cuban baseball both inside and outside the island.
During the interview, Hernández explained that his stance is based on the moral responsibility that, in his view, athletes have when representing the regime.
“When they put a microphone in your hand, you have to be brave and tell the true reality of Cuba, not say: 'I don't know about politics',” she expressed.
The former pitcher, who has been working as a commentator for ESPN for years, recalled that in the past there were attempts to bring together the exiled Cuban players to form a team abroad, but —he said— “none of those who are currently playing with Cuba responded.”
"I respect them, but I do not support them. I have my opinion, and I stand by it", added the four-time World Series champion, known for his key role in the victories of the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.
When asked which team he would support in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, “El Duque” replied: “As a Cuban, you always want the best, but I would prefer that the United States, the Dominican Republic, or any country that truly deserves it wins.”
Hernández, regarded as one of the most talented pitchers of his generation, played ten national series in Cuba (1987-1996) before leaving the country.
In the MLB, he accumulated a record of 90 wins and 66 losses, with an ERA of 4.13 and over a thousand strikeouts.
In recent years, the former player has maintained a critical stance towards the Cuban Baseball Federation and the players who cooperate with the regime's sports authorities.
Filed under: