By Ronal Quiñones
HAVANA TIMES – Last week, I concluded my commentary by stating that the Cuban Communist Party Central Committee would go to great lengths to ensure that the team from the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (Fepcube) was vetoed from the 2024 Intercontinental Series, scheduled from January 26 to February 1 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
However, the pressure from the Cuban government was so intense that the tournament was not even able to start, and the play ball announcement was suspended.
Since the participation of the independent team was announced, pressure began on the Colombian authorities and the organizers, the Team Rentería USA Foundation, led by former MLB player Edgar Rentaría.
The official Cuban Baseball Federation launched an offensive with statements accusing Fepcube of usurping its functions, etc. But it went further, becoming a matter of state, especially after Colombia found itself in a vulnerable position when the hosting rights for the 2027 Pan American Games were revoked. The government of Gustavo Petro had failed to meet payment deadlines and was trying to regain the rights through any means. The support of one of the main participants (Cuba) in continental events throughout history was invaluable.
In an official statement, the Colombian government said the use of patriotic symbols by the Fepcube team was “a clear infringement on the constitutional and sports rights of the Republic of Cuba.” To officially debut, the players decided to forgo using these symbols.
Although individuals associated with the team had intentions of singing the national anthem of Cuba even acapella, the most important thing was to be there and show up for the civic and social significance it held.
Cuban authorities thought that by touching
