Cuban baseball, known for its rich tradition and innate talent, remains a source of pride for the Caribbean island. However, behind the lights of the stadium and the applause of the fans, there is a harsh reality that affects the players of the Cuban National Series, who struggle to survive due to the lack of attention and the paltry salaries they receive.
According to reliable sources, several players from Industriales, one of the most emblematic teams in Cuba, have been forced to take extreme measures to face the difficult economic situation they face. Organizing money games against independent teams, which also include players from the National Series, has become a desperate way of survival during the offseason.
These independent games have become a lifeline for Cuban players, who can receive up to 10 thousand pesos per game. This is equivalent to three months of salary in the National Baseball Series. The question that arises is obvious: How is it possible for these athletes to earn in a single game what the government cannot provide them in adequate salaries?
The Cuban National Baseball Series, once a national pride, appears to be headed towards its demise, not due to these independent tournaments, but due to a lack of resources and the inability of the leaders of the Cuban Baseball Federation to provide a livelihood. The blame does not fall on the shoulders of the players, it is more systemic problem that highlights the shortcomings of the Cuban system as a whole.
While Cuban baseball players are forced to organize their own tournaments to survive, the Cuban government continues to exercise iron control over all spheres of people’s lives. What would baseball fans in the United States think if stars like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani were forced to organize independent tournaments to feed their families? This is the harsh reality faced by Cuban baseball players, who, despite their undeniable talent, are trapped in a system that does not give them the opportunities they deserve.
Shame should fall on the leaders of the Cuban Baseball Federation when they read this article. It is time for concrete steps to be taken to ensure that Cuban baseball players receive fair wages and adequate care, allowing them to focus on what they do best: playing baseball and representing Cuba on the international stage. Cuban baseball deserves a brighter future, and it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that happens.