In an interview with ESPN and not with a Cuban media, as usual, Antonio Castro, IBAF vice president, hinted at the possibility that Cuban players in MLB could return to play for the national team, opening thus a door which was closed for decades.
Tony Castro, former Cuban national baseball team doctor and current official of that international agency, explained to that major sports network that after the changes to be undertaken by Cuban sport movement, it would be necessary also to transform the way to relate with players abroad.
“Cuba needs to change too. We are part of this world. It’s indeed a risk, but you take risks in every moment of life, “Castro said in conversation with journalist Paula Lavigne, in the show Outside the Lines.
These words, coupled with the recent opening for Cuban athletes that can now be contracted in any foreign league, are perhaps the clearest warning of what could mean a complete shift in the way the country and its political leadership have understood the sport. Regarding the obvious possibilities that this measure opens for the players and their origin country, Castro noted that the current situation does not benefit either party. “It is not good for their welfare, their family, not good for anyone. We lose, because when they leave, they do not return to play for the Cuban national team”. After that , and before the question of a possible return to the national squad, he replied: “Why can not it be?” Currently, 16 Cuban players play in the majors, who have enough conditions to make up, as most of them have done it before, the national team. That’s without adding those who are part of the franchises, but play in the Minors. With such statements, further intensified by the descent of the executive within the decision-making bodies of Cuba, there are now many questions. Who would be called to be part of the squads? Is baseball the only sport benefited by these changes? What will be the position of the owners of MLB teams before this possibility? Will the U.S. government, represented by the OFAC, allow Cuban players to play for their country at international events? There is one reality: unfortunately for public and athletes, baseball theme between Cuba and the United States takes a nuance that surpasses sports. “We need to change on both sides. This is a political situation, but we have to make realistic decisions, “Tony Castro added to his interviewer. Cuba has given this time the first step, and thus throws a clear invitation to normalize-to the possible extent, the relations between two nations starting by a same passion: baseball. We’ll see how these words will be received in Washington, after the U.S. government showed itself unmoved by Cuba’s new sports policy. Surely speculation time will come now, a time in which many will want to anticipate events and try to prophesy. Just remember that prophesying on Cuba’s issues is a high-risk exercise. The best in this case, as time has taught us, is to wait. While the only thing certain is that the possibility is open, or at least is already thought of it.
