Cuban musician Cándido Fabré has sparked a heated discussion with a passionate message on social media, questioning the inclusion of Major League Baseball players on the national team and lamenting the loss of "baseball pride" in Cuba. Known for his allegiance to the regime, Fabré took to Facebook to nostalgically recall when Cuba was a global baseball powerhouse, relying solely on homegrown talent.
"The days of Fidel were all about revolution, socialism, complete dedication, international success, and Cuban pride. Cuba was the world’s baseball obsession," he wrote. Fabré argues that young players today believe that making it to Team Cuba requires playing in the MLB and criticizes the lack of recognition for those who have remained within the national sports system despite numerous hardships.
A Call for Recognition of Domestic Talent
"Why is there no respect here for the sacrifice of those who work under the blazing sun, facing countless personal hardships, like Samón, Cepeda, Avilés, Danel, Castro, and others?" he questioned. Fabré mourned what he sees as a fading sense of belonging in Cuban baseball and made a statement that has reverberated across social media: "We're dancing around to see which millionaire players want to play for Cuba," he declared.
The Emotional and Political Weight of the Critique
Fabré, who has penned songs supporting the dictatorship, criticized the declaration of baseball as a national heritage "when baseball is no longer played in neighborhoods" and warned about the lack of motivation among new generations. "Many leave the country with the hope of one day representing our Cuba, but in recent years, not even with MLB players have we done well, only making fools of ourselves," he expressed.
He also defended legendary coaches like Pacheco, Víctor Mesa, Urquiola, and Jorge Fuentes for their work in athlete development from the grassroots level, lamenting that many of them "are growing old in obscurity."
Professional Players in Team Cuba
Fabré's statements come at a time when the presence of Cuban players in foreign leagues, especially the Major League Baseball (MLB), has caused rifts both within and outside the island. Since 2022, an agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has allowed Cuban players to be contracted in professional leagues abroad and represent Cuba internationally, provided they haven't defected or criticized the government.
While this initiative has enabled prominent Cuban baseball figures to participate in events like the World Baseball Classic, it has also stirred debate about meritocracy, ideological commitment, and the role of athletes who remain in Cuba. In recent years, numerous Cuban baseball players have left the country seeking professional opportunities, with many signing lucrative contracts in the MLB.
The agreement between the U.S. league and the Cuban federation, which would allow players to be signed without emigrating, was nullified by the Trump administration in 2019 amid a tightening of sanctions against Havana.
FAQs on Cuban Baseball and MLB
Why did Cándido Fabré criticize MLB players on the Cuban national team?
Cándido Fabré criticized MLB players on the Cuban national team because he believes their presence undermines the pride associated with Cuban baseball, which historically relied on homegrown talent. He also feels it contributes to a loss of recognition for players who remain committed to the Cuban sports system.
What changes were made to allow Cuban players to join foreign leagues?
In 2022, an agreement between the Cuban Baseball Federation and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) allowed Cuban players to be contracted in professional leagues abroad, as long as they haven't defected or criticized the government, enabling them to represent Cuba internationally.