What began as a bold initiative to provide a platform for Cuban baseball players in exile has officially come to a halt. The Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (FEPCUBE) announced its dissolution on Friday, September 5, after nearly two years of attempting to establish itself as a legitimate alternative to the baseball system controlled by Havana's regime.
The announcement was made by journalist Daniel de Malas, the CEO of the news website Swing Completo and head of communications for the organization, through a video shared on digital platforms. "It's over. The Cuban Professional Baseball Federation no longer exists, much to the delight of those who despised such a beautiful concept and to the disappointment of all who believed in it," he expressed with visible frustration.
De Malas did not hold back in criticizing the lack of commitment from many players who, in his view, prioritized their personal interests over supporting the project. "Unfortunately, the majority of active Cuban professional players turned their backs on it to protect their own interests, continue visiting family in Cuba, avoid political discussions, or, worse yet, out of fear of public opinion," he remarked.
Dreams of a Unified Cuban Team in Exile
FEPCUBE was established in late 2023 with the aim of forming a Cuban "Dream Team" in exile, one that could compete in international tournaments with the best talent scattered across Major League Baseball. Among its notable names were Aroldis Chapman, Jorge Soler, the Gurriel brothers Yuli and Lourdes Gurriel, Orlando "Duque" Hernández in a managerial role, and young prospects like Edgar Quero, currently with the Chicago White Sox.
The primary objective was to offer a legitimate space for players who had left the Island in pursuit of a professional career, free from the state control that dominates sports in Cuba. However, the journey was fraught with both external and internal challenges.
The Debut That Never Happened
An historic opportunity seemed to present itself in January 2024 when the Federation received an invitation to the Intercontinental Baseball Series in Barranquilla, Colombia, alongside teams from Japan, South Korea, Curaçao, the United States, and the host nation. However, just days before the event was to begin, Colombia's Ministry of Sport and Olympic Committee canceled it, citing an inability to recognize FEPCUBE as an official team.
This decision, which had the approval of the Cuban regime and the silent complicity of the government of Gustavo Petro, was perceived by the organization as a political censorship. "The main reason for this cancellation was to prevent the Cuban team's presence at the event. It's an affront to democracy and a concession to totalitarianism," their directors protested at the time.
The official debut was thwarted, leaving FEPCUBE to participate in exhibition games. They managed to compete against university teams such as Miami Dade College in Miami, but they never achieved the international stage they had envisioned.
Internal Turmoil and Public Controversies
In addition to political setbacks, internal crises plagued the organization. In 2024, filmmaker Ian Padrón, who served as spokesperson and head of public relations, resigned citing personal reasons. Although he promised to continue supporting the project, his departure generated surprise and uncertainty among supporters. Previously, player Yunel Escobar had also left the team.
The organization also faced conflicts with public figures like rapper Yotuel Romero, who prohibited FEPCUBE from using the slogan "Patria y Vida" on the team's cap. Swing Completo also criticized the lack of support from many active professional players, influenced by speculation and pressure from some social platforms, as well as the invasive nature of sports in Cuba.
The Final Closure
In his farewell message, Daniel de Malas extended gratitude to the few players who remained loyal to the project until the end, especially the legends of Cuban baseball who supported the cause. "It's a disgrace for all those who turned their back on something so spectacular. First it was the Players Association, now it's the Federation. Sadly, there won't be a third time's the charm," he lamented.
Thus, a chapter closes that sought to unite the Cuban baseball diaspora under one uniform, free from political and bureaucratic constraints. According to Swing Completo, members of FEPCUBE remain hopeful for a revival in the distant future, yet given the current reality, this seems unlikely. "Why did we let go of such an opportunity? Why did efforts from exile contribute to the destruction of FEPCUBE?" they questioned.
The promise of FEPCUBE, which aimed to be a declaration of independence on the world's baseball fields, fades away, leaving behind a bitter sense of lost opportunity and unfinished struggle.
Understanding the Fallout of FEPCUBE
Why was the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation dissolved?
FEPCUBE was dissolved after nearly two years of attempting to establish itself as a viable alternative to the state-controlled baseball system in Cuba, hindered by both internal and external obstacles.
What challenges did FEPCUBE face in gaining official recognition?
FEPCUBE faced significant challenges, including political censorship and a lack of recognition as an official team, highlighted by the cancellation of their participation in the Intercontinental Baseball Series.
What was the primary goal of FEPCUBE?
The primary goal of FEPCUBE was to create a unified team of Cuban exiled players to compete internationally, free from the constraints of Cuba's state-controlled sports system.