Andy Pagés, a standout player for one of baseball's most iconic teams, is earning $800,000 this season and ranks among the top offensive players in Major League Baseball. Yet, these achievements do little to ease the anxiety he feels every time he attempts to reach his family in Cuba, only to be met with silence.
The 25-year-old center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, originally from Mantua, Pinar del Río, resides in the United States with his wife, Alondra. Meanwhile, his parents and sister remain on the island, separated by vast distances and immigration challenges that make reunions difficult.
"I haven't found anything that brings me peace and tranquility," Pagés admitted to the Los Angeles Times.
"With the current situation there, you always fear something could happen at any moment. And my whole family is in Cuba. You have to live with that constant worry," he continued.
For Pagés, the toughest times come when he tries to contact his loved ones and gets no response. When calls go straight to voicemail, uncertainty immediately sets in.
While he enjoys the peak of his career in the United States, Pagés remains concerned about his family in Cuba, who are facing the daily hardships from the country's economic and energy crises.
He views this reality from afar, through phone conversations, family photos, and news about blackouts, shortages, and the declining living conditions on the island.
Success on the Field, Challenges Off It
On the field, Pagés has been one of the season's biggest surprises. The Cuban player ranks among the MLB leaders in RBIs, has hit 15 home runs, and has cemented himself as a crucial part of the Dodgers' lineup, also excelling in defensive roles.
However, the reality outside the stadium is different.
Teammate Miguel Rojas, a seasoned Venezuelan infielder, notes that audiences often forget the personal and familial burdens players carry beneath their uniforms.
"We're here to perform and entertain," Rojas explained. "The issue arises when the lights go out at night, when you return home, when you become just another person on the street."
Pagés is among the numerous Cuban athletes in the MLB who have left close family members in Cuba. This is a shared experience for many athletes who find professional success abroad but continue to worry about those they left behind.
Holding onto Memories and Faith
When nostalgia hits, Pagés seeks out small reminders of home. Sometimes he turns to Cuban cuisine available in Los Angeles, although he admits nothing can replace what he left in Cuba.
"Such things shouldn't happen in such a beautiful and joyful country as Cuba," he lamented.
As he awaits the day he can reunite with his family, Pagés clings to his Christian faith and remains focused on his baseball career. This duality encapsulates the experience of many Cuban expatriates: achieving professional dreams while enduring the heartache for those still across the sea.
FAQs about Andy Pagés and His Family Struggles
Why does Andy Pagés feel anxious about his family in Cuba?
Pagés feels anxious because he worries about the unpredictable situation in Cuba and the potential for anything to happen to his family there at any moment.
How does Andy Pagés cope with being away from his family?
Pagés relies on his Christian faith and focuses on his baseball career, while also seeking comfort in reminders of home, like Cuban food available in Los Angeles.
What challenges does Pagés face in contacting his family in Cuba?
Pagés struggles with uncertainty and anxiety when his calls to family members in Cuba go unanswered, often ending up in voicemail.