The second game in the history of the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (FEPCUBE) is the reaffirmation that the “Dream Team” will not remain in the annals of baseball history as a team that played two games and disintegrated. On the contrary, these meetings are the beginning of a project that represents a lot for the Cuban exile community and the players who never had the opportunity to play in an international tournament while they were in Cuba.
The best definition of what FEPCUBE represents was said by the Cuban pitching legend, José Ariel Contreras, after pitching an inning without giving up a run at the age of 52. “We must all be united for the same cause, in the end, this Federation not only represents the players of the exile community, but also a community that has been through a lot since it left Cuba, therefore, every time we play a game we dedicate it to all those people.”
The atmosphere in the dugout was of a different nature, each player enjoyed the moment as a unique experience, there were no egos, only the idea of enjoying the game prevailed and above all, a lot of brotherhood was evident.
To close a historic day, the Dream Team defeated the Houston Apollos 2-0, who, although they are an independent league team (Pecos League), took the game with great seriousness. “It was a great game,” Pedro García, who is the Apollos’ first base coach, told our sister page Pelota Cubana.
The @fepcube gets ready at Mark Light Stadium before their game with the @apollos_houston .#CubanBaseballDigest #FEPCUBE pic.twitter.com/K4FIy1WbcH
— Cuban Baseball Digest (@CBaseballDigest) January 29, 2024
Another player who seemed very enthusiastic was José “Cheché” Rodríguez, the Camagüey native pitched two scoreless innings against his compatriots from FEPCUBE. “I hope to be in the other dugout in the future, I identify very much with their cause, however, I am very grateful for this opportunity.” The Cuban team’s two runs were driven in by a solo home run by Leonys Martín and a single by Edgar Quero.
Another of the pitchers who pitched a scoreless inning was Odrisamer Despaigne, the hurler from Havana was eager to debut with the FEPCUBE team. “If they had played in Colombia I would have left Mexico for there. I really wanted to represent them, therefore, our task must continue. This is our way of representing all the Cubans who had to leave Cuba fleeing the regime, therefore, if we have the way to do so by playing baseball, we will always take the step forward. “This goes for all of them,” Despaigne reaffirmed.
The competition in the Major Leagues, Asian leagues and the Caribbean is only one or two months away from starting, therefore, until the next offseason arrives it will be difficult for FEPCUBE projects to take shape again. The next few months should not be wasted, rather, they should create time to organize ideas and return stronger. “We all want this project to continue. We appreciate the support of everyone who has contributed to this moment” said Liván Hernández, who threw the first ball of the game and also, his brother
“El Duque Hernández” is the general manager of the team. Another person who has been essential is Brayan Peña, the team’s manager is also willing to return to take the reins of the dugout next offseason. The most important step has been taken, playing two games and luckily, the chemistry between the players is very good, it does not matter if the player is a rookie or a veteran, the fundamental thing is to enjoy the moment and achieve victory. This must be the beginning of a historic project.
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