Edilberto Oropesa took the mound for the first in 10 years two weeks ago in an exhibition game between the Miami-Dade College Sharks and the FEPCUBE team. Although the hurler only tossed ⅔ of an inning he was impeccable and inspiration to his team.
Oropesa who pitched in the big leagues for four years with the Padres, Phillies and Diamondbacks fanned the two hitters he faced to the delight of the crowd. In 125 MLB games the blue-collar hurler won eight games, primarily as a reliever and struck out 78 over that span.
In what we can call a player-coach role Oropesa has been an asset to the newly formed federation and figures to be a fixture in its ranks for years to come. With people like Oropesa and the determination he exhibits on a daily basis expect FEPCUBE to be around for the long haul.
Ex-big leaguer Eddie Oropesa talks to us about his experience on the mound against the @MDCSHARKS last week and what @fepcube means to him.#CubanBaseballDigest #FEPCUBE pic.twitter.com/FaIEUfs2NR
— Cuban Baseball Digest (@CBaseballDigest) January 23, 2024
You take the mound for the first time in 10 years in FEPCUBE’s first game and strike out the only two batters you face. Tell me how you felt that day?
It was a dream come true taking the mound for the first time for FEPCUBE, a team of free Cubans. I appreciate the freedom we have in the United States. It was unbelievable to be able to pitch in front of all those people and do it well.
They say you are the heart and soul of this team. How does that make you feel?
It makes me feel unbelievably well and to be able to play with these young guys, some of which are big leaguers. I reiterate it is a dream come true for me to take the field with this team.
Being part of the exile community, what does FEPCUBE mean to you?
It means a lot. We want to show the people of America what is going on in Cuba for 65 years and the hardships that we have gone through as a people. Miami is the city of my children and my grand-daughter, so playing for FEPCUBE means plenty to me.
Do you have any message to the fans?
Please come and support us, we have a good product and through baseball we want to bring to light what has been going in Cuba for 65 years, while also bringing enjoyment to the fans.