Major League Baseball History was Made in Cuba; Rays faced the Cuban National Team

By Francisco Romero

It was no only a great day for baseball, but it was a great day for a message of peace, that is exactly what was delivered Tuesday in La Havana, Cuba at Estadio Latinoamericano where the Rays faced the Cuban National team.

For the first time since 1999, when the Orioles played against Cuba, a Major League Baseball Team visited the Caribbean Island Nation.

This time was a bit different; at the stadium there they were, sitting together and enjoying a baseball game, United States President Barack Obama alongside the Cuban Leader Raul Castro.

A sight never seen before by this generation, in a country 90 miles away, but a world’s apart.

Earlier in the day President Obama quoted Cuban poet Jose Marti’s message of peace, “Cultive una Rosa Blanca…” he stated and followed, “In his most famous poem, Jose Marti made this offering of friendship and peace to both his friend and his enemy. Today, as the president of the United States of America, I offer the Cuban people el saludo de paz (greeting of peace).

That same message was felt throughout the stadium and during the game between the Rays and Cuba.

The ceremonial first pitch honors were shared by two great Cuban right-handed pitchers: Pedro Luis Lazo, a longtime standout for the Cuban National Team and Pinar del Rio, and Luis Tiant, a three-time All-Star during his 19-year Major League career.

At game’s end the Rays beat Cuba 4-1, but the score was what least mattered during this historic day in baseball.

Matt Moore was the winning pitcher for the Rays after tossing 6.0 without allowing a run.

James Loney homered for the Rays, who got two hits and finished the game with 3 RBI’s.

Yosvani Torres took the loss for Cuba.

Fans, players and politicians alike hope this is the beginning of longstanding relationship in baseball and otherwise.