Former Cuban baseball player Kendrys Morales, recognized as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the island in recent decades, has broken his silence on one of the most painful episodes of his career: his departure from the Cuban national team during the 2003 pre-Olympic tournament in Panama. In a revealing interview with Dominican influencer Destino Tolk, Morales shared what he believes was a deliberate scheme to betray him.
Morales recounted that the team management assigned him to room with catcher Roger Machado, who was then the second catcher for the national team. This pairing was unusual, as they had never roomed together before. Morales immediately sensed something was amiss. Machado persistently urged him to leave the team and remain abroad, which Morales found suspicious.
Machado's insistence included telling Morales things like, "They're calling me to tell you to go." Initially, Morales resisted, but the pressure mounted until he finally agreed to discuss the matter. "Okay, how do we make this happen?" he asked Machado, hinting at a shared understanding.
Less than ten minutes later, Morales was summoned for an emergency meeting with the Cuban National Baseball Commissioner. During this meeting, they recounted his entire conversation with Machado, confirming Morales's suspicion that he had been betrayed. "They repeated everything we talked about," Morales recalled with bitterness.
A Turning Point in Morales's Career
During the tournament, Morales was instrumental in scoring the team's first run in the opening game, which was later suspended due to rain. He played only two more games before being abruptly removed. Officially, it was stated that Morales returned to Cuba for "personal reasons," but this vague explanation masked a political betrayal that cost him his career in Cuba.
Morales's account has been publicly supported by other players. Pitcher Yadel Martí confirmed the incident in a Swing Completo interview last year, stating, "Kendrys Morales was betrayed." Although Martí acknowledged Machado's skills as a catcher, he was adamant that "he spent his life snitching on everyone."
The scandal marked a pivotal moment in Morales's life. In early 2004, he was dismissed from the Industriales team during the National Series. Blacklisted and ostracized by Cuban sports authorities, Morales decided to leave Cuba at just 20 years old. After 13 failed escape attempts, he finally reached the United States, where he crafted a new chapter in Major League Baseball (MLB).
From Cuba to Major League Success
As a professional player in MLB, Morales signed a $3 million contract with the Anaheim Angels. His MLB career spanned 13 seasons, during which he played for teams including the Mariners, Twins, Royals, Blue Jays, Athletics, and Yankees. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 2015 by winning the World Series with Kansas City and was awarded the Edgar Martínez Award for the best designated hitter in the American League that same year. Morales retired in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of 213 home runs, 740 RBIs, and a .265 career batting average.
On the other hand, Roger Machado transitioned from being a catcher to managing the Ciego de Ávila team and leading the Cuban national team on several occasions. Under his leadership, the Avilanian Tigers won three national championships, and the national team won tournaments such as the Interports of Rotterdam. However, his managerial career ended in 2019 when he was replaced in Ciego de Ávila due to "leadership changes." In 2023, according to Pelota Cubana, Machado emigrated to the United States with his family through a humanitarian parole program.
Morales's revelation sheds light on a dark chapter in Cuban baseball history, where political decisions and ideological control have long affected the fates of talented individuals. This story of a promising athlete's rise and fall within Cuba contrasts sharply with the successful international career he achieved despite the betrayal and stigma he faced early on.
Key Insights into Kendrys Morales's Story
What led to Kendrys Morales's departure from the Cuban team in 2003?
Morales's departure was triggered by a scheme involving his roommate, Roger Machado, who persistently urged him to leave the team, leading to an emergency meeting where Morales was confronted about the conversation.
How did Kendrys Morales's MLB career unfold after leaving Cuba?
After overcoming numerous challenges to reach the United States, Morales enjoyed a successful 13-season MLB career, highlighted by a World Series victory with the Kansas City Royals and receiving the Edgar Martínez Award.
What impact did Roger Machado have on Morales's career?
Machado played a pivotal role in the betrayal that led to Morales's departure from the Cuban team, which significantly impacted Morales's career within Cuba but indirectly led to his successful MLB career.