The Tampa Bay Rays landed in Cuba Sunday night, ahead of their historic contest with the Cuban National Team scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at Estadio Latinoamericano, in Havana. As the title suggests, what follows are dispatches from the island nation from the team, Rays players and journalists. We will continually update this thread, so keep checking back.
Rays President Of Baseball Operations, Matt Silverman, is excited about the trip to Cuba. He sees the trip as an opportunity for both countries to better understand each other.
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Stuart Sternberg, Kevin Cash, Evan Longoria and Chris Archer discussed playing against the Cuban National Team in a press conference on Monday.
The love of baseball here is very evident, just from the time we set foot on the ground, said Rays third baseman Evan Longoria.
Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg spoke with CNBC’s Michelle Caruso-Cabrera about the return of Major League Baseball to Cuba.
Chris Archer made a friend with Diego, a young baseball fan.
9 yr old Diego Lopez holds a ball signed by @ChrisArcher22 after the 2 played catch today at the stadium #RaysInCuba pic.twitter.com/CNnZAtwQwu
— Roger Mooney (@RMooneyTBO) March 21, 2016
@ChrisArcher22 and his new friend, Diego, play catch this morning at Estadio Latinoamericano #RaysInCubapic.twitter.com/6V0otajOo7 — Roger Mooney (@RMooneyTBO) March 21, 2016
The trip represents a homecoming for Rays’ Cuban born minor leaguer, Dayron Varona, who hasn’t been back to Cuba in three years.
Here’s #Rays Dayron Varona entering Estadio Latinoamericano for the first time since returning #RaysInCubapic.twitter.com/n1QWEvTPiu — Neil Solondz (@neilsolondz) March 21, 2016
Probably the most powerful moment I’ve ever witnessed on the job. You should’ve seen the tears. #RaysInCubahttps://t.co/lfmB7DYlbh — Dave Haller (@HallerDave) March 21, 2016
Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) rolled out the Rays starting lineup for the game. Note: Varona will hit in the leadoff spot.
#Rays lineup for Tuesday vs. Cuban National Team #RaysInCuba. pic.twitter.com/fmZKIlDHlJ — Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 21, 2016
In spite of some unfavorable weather, the team was able to get in a light workout at Estadio Latinoamericano.
#Video: Tampa Bay Rays practice in Havana ahead of their symbolic game against Cuba’s national team – @tdemiguel_A… pic.twitter.com/uywZwgz75Q
— 757Live Cuba (@757LiveCU) March 21, 2016
Take a look at Estadio Latinoamericano. The field, by all accounts, plays quite large.
Field of Dreams #Havana#Cuba#mlbincuba#ontheroad@onenacion@espn_beisbolpic.twitter.com/aAaW1dx0ub
— Hugo Balta (@HugoBalta) March 20, 2016
The Rays were dressed to the nines at the MLB reception on Monday night. John Kerry and other United States’ dignitaries, as well as Jimmy Buffett, were also in attendance.
Dapper #Rays ready for tonight’s @MLB reception. #MLBinCuba pic.twitter.com/Q7X3yAVx7l
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 22, 2016
Also at #Rays-Cuba game reception late Monday, Sec of State John Kerry #RaysInCuba pic.twitter.com/8GtoUyGSNK
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 22, 2016
From late Monday, @mlb / @MLB_PLAYERS reception for #Rays-Cuba game featured Jimmy Buffett performing #RaysInCubapic.twitter.com/ca7N9KJsYy
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 22, 2016
Richie Shaffer documented the trip into Estadio Latinoamericano.
Game Day from Cuba! Let’s go. 😝 #raysup pic.twitter.com/IFemfWL7uu
— Richie Shaffer (@Rshaff8) March 22, 2016
Because of security concerns, fans started pouring into Estadio Latinoamericano around 8:00 AM. Yes, you’re seeing things correctly that IS a packed house for batting practice.
#Rays taking batting practice before game. #RaysInCuba pic.twitter.com/1Pj1GwPJ21
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 22, 2016
Después de 17 años, Cuba recibe hoy a un equipo de las Grandes Ligas para un duelo histórico #RaysCuba pic.twitter.com/Btds9xjPH0
— 8 Deportivo (@8Deportivo) March 22, 2016
A sense of scene 2 hours before 1st pitch of #Rays game at Estadio Latinoamericano #RaysInCuba pic.twitter.com/oO63LaJKbj
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 22, 2016
As noted previously, St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman is in attendance.
St. Pete Mayor @Kriseman and wife Kerry on field watching #Rays BP #RaysInCubapic.twitter.com/NkqcYZlMkI
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 22, 2016
The presidents of both countries are also on hand.
Some high level hellos going on there with Obama and Castro #RaysInCuba pic.twitter.com/ZOIS2xsEpV
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 22, 2016
The team introduction as the Rays take the field.
It’s getting a little louder and livelier as #Rays are on field and Cubans are being introduced #RaysInCuba pic.twitter.com/GPeCPEgvA2
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 22, 2016