Victor Mesa made a public appearance once again in Cuba, this time during a live television broadcast of a baseball game. The broadcast highlighted his remarkable sports career, showering him with praise.
According to Dporto Sports MEDIA's Facebook report, the ex-player and former manager was spotted at the Latin American Stadium during the game's coverage. Commentators celebrated his prowess as a player and his achievements with the teams he led.
Viewers saw Mesa seated in the stands, smiling and engaging in lively conversation with a Cuban baseball official. The narrators lavished him with praise, detailing his statistics, sharing anecdotes, and even commenting on his new look. Sporting a white beard, dark sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, commentator Rodolfo García described his appearance as "modern."
The adulation continued with García reminiscing about Mesa as a "fantastic player, incredible center fielder, formidable hitter," asserting that he "would have succeeded in any baseball league." The TV host also mentioned Mesa's sons, who play in Major League Baseball, noting, "We know both of them."
Another commentator added that although Mesa never secured a championship as a manager, "he is still considered a winner."
Contrasting Opinions Amidst Praise
The state TV's effusive praise starkly contrasted with the comments on the original post. An elderly woman labeled him a "despot, power abuser, self-sufficient." Others, from Miami and Spain, criticized him as a "two-faced," "informant," and "staunch communist."
While many acknowledged his sports greatness, few portrayed him as humble or beloved beyond the field. Miami residents were explicit: "He's on Cuban TV because he said in Miami that he is indeed a communist," one stated. "He's still part of the system," another added.
Critics noted how easily Mesa reappears on Cuban television, smiling and surrounded by attention, while other athletes who left the system remain banned, invisible, or treated as traitors.
The Double Standards of the Regime
The regime's double standards are evident: some can return, appear on TV, and receive praise for their "new look," while others can't even visit their families.
A Look Back at Recent Years
In February of the previous year, Mesa celebrated his 67th birthday at a Miami restaurant, where his family and staff surprised him with a cake, bubble gun, banner, and a toast with red wine.
Since 2018, this was the Victor who lived in Florida, having bid farewell to Cuban baseball. In April 2022, he traveled to Havana with his wife, Eneida Ríos, after three years away from the island.
He stayed at his home in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, where neighbors welcomed him festively, and he promised to do something special for local kids playing baseball.
This visit fueled speculation that he resolved his U.S. immigration status. In December 2021, La Voz de Vueltabajo reported his residency application was initially denied, but he planned to appeal. His return to Cuba suggested the appeal might have progressed favorably.
Since retiring, the former player has focused on supporting his sons' careers, Víctor Víctor and Víctor Mesa Jr. Now, he reemerges at a baseball game in Havana, celebrated and captured by cameras, depicted with a near-poetic admiration.
This scene, beyond its sports significance, also highlights the regime's priorities and flexibilities: in Cuba, some exiles can be heroes… as long as they say the right things.
Insights into Victor Mesa's Public Image and Controversies
Why was Victor Mesa praised on Cuban TV?
Victor Mesa was praised on Cuban TV for his outstanding sports career and contributions as both a player and manager. Commentators highlighted his skills and successes during a live baseball game broadcast.
What criticisms did Victor Mesa face despite the praise?
Despite the television praise, Mesa faced criticism from the public, with some labeling him as a "despot" and "informant." Critics also questioned his allegiance to the communist regime, citing his comments made in Miami.
How have Victor Mesa's recent actions been perceived?
Mesa's recent activities, such as celebrating his birthday in Miami and returning to Havana, have sparked discussions about his immigration status and ties with the Cuban regime. His presence on Cuban TV has been seen as an example of the regime's selective favoritism.