Almost at the close of 2023, the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (FEPCUBE) announced its roster that would compete in the Intercontinental Series in Barranquilla, Colombia. Reviewing the names on the list, one name caught my attention, Edilberto Oropesa. A doubt was cast by many, is this the same one who pitched in the major leagues or was it his son, also a pitcher?
Well, it turned out that it was the oldest of the two Oropesas, the man who was the protagonist of one of the most amazing life stories amongst all the athletes who have defected from delegations in international in search of a dream. Oropesa left the Cuban squad during the University Games, on July 10, 1993 in Buffalo, coincidentally two years after René Arocha opened the path for baseball players not only wanting freedom, but also wanting to play in the big show.
The left-hander pitched in the Major Leagues from 2001 to 2004. He saw action in more than 100 games all as a reliever posting an 8-4 record and a 7.11 earned run average. Although his ERA was a little high, pitching that many games at the big league level reveals the will and dedication of a man who did not surrender to adversity and made the decision to fight for a better future.
What a moment for Eddie Oropesa!
At 54, strikes out two in the 3rd inning for 🇨🇺 FEPCUBE (@fepcube) DREAM TEAM Vs Miami Dade College Sharks 🦈
🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺 LEGEND 🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺#OneTeamOneDream #FEPCUBE #Cuba #TodosSomosCuba #HISTORY
📽️ Cuban Baseball Digest (@CBaseballDigest) pic.twitter.com/yQG4N2v15L
— CubanBaseballZone 🇨🇺⚾️🌎 (@CubanBaseballZN) January 18, 2024
Prior to debuting in MLB Oropesa languished in the minor leagues for 12 years without losing faith. He was also not afraid to take his suitcase and go to any place where his services were needed, be it Taipei, China, Mexico or the Netherlands. His last appearance on a mound prior to yesterday came in the Dutch Major League in 2014. In 2024, ten years later, he once again took the mound. He did it in a game full of symbolism and history.
At his 52 years of age he retired two hitters from Miami Dade College, much younger than himself Matanzas via strikeout. Emotions ran high and filled the hearts of the fans at Demie Mainieri Field, some were even moved to tears by the feat of a man who has given everything to the Cuban people and refuses to ever quit on them. His story is one that captivates Cubans worldwide and gives hope to the exile community
even in its darkest days