Branlis Rodríguez was one of the best pitchers in the last season’s Cuban National Series and those results led him to be part of the Cuban pre-tournament pool for the Premier 12. He would later to join a Cuban team that would participate in an exhibition game in Mexico and abandon the squad. Today the player from Pinar del Río, Cuba is acclimating to his new life in the United States, under the guidance of some friends who have given him the help to restart his professional career.
During the regular season of the last Serie Nacional he finished with a 5-1 record and an 4.11 earned run average in 81.0 innings pitched. Over that span he also struck out 55 batters. In the postseason he started six games, posted a 3-1 record and a 2.38 ERA.The lanky pitcher is looking to showcase his talents in the near future in search of signing with a professional squad.
Rodríguez left the Cuban team with two other teammates (Over Cremet and Alexis Varona) and the next day he commenced the process known as CBP-1. Since December the hurler has been in Miami and at 30 years of age Rodríguez is determined to do everything possible to resume his career again in an independent league or possibly in the Caribbean. One that is not lacking for the talented Cuban is the desire to play.
Why did you decide to come to the United States?
Because I was given the opportunity to come to Mexico and I stayed. I applied for the CBP-1 visa. Once I got the appointment and it was smooth sailing from there. Let’s see if things go well and one can sign with at least an independent league to continue doing what I like, that is playing basetball.
Is this something you had in mind or did it suddenly arise in Mexico?
While in Mexico I saw the opportunity and I said to myself, whatever God wants. Thank God everything turned out well. We arrived on November 7 at dawn and I stayed until the 8th. I left the hotel. I left on the 9th I was already applying for the appointment, like everyone else. Many told me that I was lucky, because on December 8 I got the appointment. I guess it was in the cards for me.
I imagine you still have a lot of family left in Cuba.
I have my father’s family there. My godfather and his family, but from my house the only one who is here is me. That always makes you feel uncomfortable, because of the time spent there with the family. But ut you have to move forward, to be able to help them from here. Now I’m going to start training, but also working and playing on weekends to stay in shape.
Do you think playing as a professional is possible?
Everything is about trying in life. If God wants me to get there with my sacrifice and my effort, I will get there. The goal is to try to play baseball, which is what I like, in whatever league, wherever. Even in the Major Leagues it is possible, but this will depend on my sacrifice and effort.
Two more players defected with you, are you still in contact with them?
Yes, I communicate a lot with (Over) Cremet, because we were in the Premier 12 pool together and we developed a friendship. I have his number and I am trying to guide him through the process help to see if he can come here too. He is applying to see if he can also get here stateside as well.
You are part of a generation where many have defected from Cuban baseball. How did that influence your decision?
That is a decision for each person. They decided to stay, but my decision was very personal. I decided that was my best option. He had been on the Pinar del Río team for several years. “I was improving as an athlete, as a thrower, and I decided to stay to help the family, my parents.”
How do you see the state Cuban baseball?
There are still guys there with immense talent, but due to many things that are happening there, they cannot exploit those abilities. The talent there is still good and with an abundance good players still residing on the island.