Despite Visa Denials, Cuba Competes in the World Baseball Classic

​​Cuba is once again exceeding expectations in the World Baseball Classic. The Cuban team is one victory away from reaching the quarterfinals. It was unclear a few months ago whether Cuba would even play in the WBC. Not because of baseball — but because of U.S. policy.

“We were aware that there could be denials due to the United States’ aggressive policy toward Cuba,” said Juan Reinaldo Pérez, the president of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation. In the end, the players were granted the visas, but eight Cuban staff, including a scout and a pitching coach, were denied visas.

The Trump administration last year blocked visas for some 100 Cuban athletes and sports officials. 

Cuban athletes also face pressure from right-wing activists and politicians in Miami. In the last WBC in Miami, Cuban players and their family members were harassed and had objects thrown at them.

Check out our article “Playing Dirty: Rubio’s War on Cuban Athletes”.

TRANSCRIPT

Cuba is once again exceeding expectations in the World Baseball Classic. Cuba won its first two games, beating Panama and Colombia.

“We’re holding an advantage at 2‑1. Puerto Rico has broken away, but we’re still in the race,” says Germán Mesa, Manager of the Cuban National Team.

It was unclear a few months ago whether Cuba would even play in the WBC. Not because of baseball…but because of U.S. policy.

“We had major problems from the beginning,” says Juan Reinaldo Pérez, president of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation.

The Trump administration blocked visas for some 100 Cuban athletes and sports officials last year.

“The U.S. government is restricting visas for all Cuban athletes and officials,” says Wilfredo Robinson, Head Coach of the Cuban Women's National Volleyball Team. 

“We had a championship in Puerto Rico, a Final Four, and we couldn’t go,” says Deziret Madan, opposite hitter, Cuban Women's National Volleyball Team.

The Trump administration cited “terrorism” to deny visas to the women’s volleyball team.

“It’s the first time a Cuban basketball team is denied U.S. visas,” says Dalia Henry, president of the Cuban Basketball Federation.

“And we were not eliminated because we played poorly, but because of visas,” says Michel Espinosa, Forward, Cuban National Basketball Team.

The Cuban baseball team is supposed to play in Puerto Rico and the United States. But it wasn’t easy to get the visas.

“It wasn’t possible to meet their demands within the assigned timeframes. The [U.S. Treasury Department] permits arrived late, and they imposed requirements that were different from those of other countries,” says Juan Reinaldo.

“We’ve always had tensions. Even when I was playing, there were tensions, but that’s just how things go. It never ends,” says Germán mesa.

“We were aware that there could be denials due to the United States’ aggressive policy toward Cuba. Eight people from Team Cuba’s roster did not receive visas. They also excluded our pitching coach and our scout,” says Juan Reinaldo.

"It's no longer like in previous years, when most of the talent was concentrated here rather than abroad. That's how it is. That's why the changes have come. We have to call on MLB players," said Roel Santos, outfielder for the Cuban National Team.

This year's team features two players on MLB rosters: Yoán Moncada and Yariel Rodríguez. But many Cuban MLB players choose not to join the Cuban team. The last time Cuba played in the WBC, its players and families were attacked by right-wing activists in Miami,  said Yadir Drake, first baseman for the Cuban National Team, in March 2023.

"They criticize us players. But what about the disrespect of people in the stands throwing things at our wives and children? And the police did nothing. And they talk about freedom? What's up with that?" added Yadir Drake.

Despite the violence in Miami, the Cuban team exceeded expectations, the journalist added.

"The last Classic left a good impression with the mix of MLB players. I've played in Mexico and Japan, and in the Cuban league. We played well as a team and achieved good results," Santos said.

"In this new edition, some players will return, and others won't be participating," the outfielder added.

"I believe everyone chooses where they want to be, and I chose to be here because I feel good and have no problems," said Liván Moinelo Pita, pitcher for the Cuban National Team.

"We'll always want the best players representing Cuba," Santos said.

With a win over Canada, Cuba would advance to the quarterfinals, Fernández reported.

"Last year we finished fourth. So why can't we be in the top three this year? All you need is to dream big, visualize your goal and push forward," Moinelo said.