HAVANA — Cuban officials denounce Tuesday a plan by players of baseball to leave Cuba to play in the Major Leagues and to form their own team for the next World Baseball Classic.
The president of the Cuban Baseball Federation, Juan Reynaldo Pérez, called a news conference and accused the group of trying to usurp Cuba’s representation in the international competition.
Last month, the Association of Cuban Professional Baseball Players announced that they would form a team to compete at the Classic, which is set for 2023.
The group involves former Major Leaguer Orlando “El Duque” Hernández and has the support of active players such as pitcher Aroldis ChapmanYou can find the New York Yankees and Yulieski Gurriel, Aledmys Díaz and Yordan Álvarez of the Houston Astros.
Major League Baseball replied to a question from The Associated Press that they would need approval from the World Baseball Softball Confederation for participation — Cuba’s official federation of baseball is a member.
Baseball is the most loved sport in socialist Cuba. However, its domestic league has been weakened by repeated departures from top players who were lured by the opportunity to make millions in the Major Leagues.