Cuba is ready to accept all players who want to play in the National Baseball Series. This is the first conclusion of the meeting that the National Commission holds every Monday with the press, following the question of the possible inclusion of Yasmani Tomás in the Industriales team.
Commissioner Juan Reynaldo Pérez Pardo said that the rules of this tournament establish that every athlete hoping to join the Cuban league with residence abroad should undertake a repatriation process. However, he added that the Commission is exploring some modifications to the norm in line with the scope of its powers. He highlighted that this is not only because of Tomás, “today it is about him, but later it could be about some other athlete who does not want to be repatriated.
The National Commission is facing a new situation. In the past, some players returned, were repatriated and rejoined the National Baseball Series, and have even made it to the Cuban team.
Cuba’s relations with its nationals have a long history of rapprochement since 1978’s Dialogue, under the guidance of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, initiated a process to rebuild, diversify and strengthen the ties with the Cuban community abroad, which is still in progress.
“During these 45 years, several steps have been taken to facilitate the travel of our nationals abroad and their return to Cuba, as well as to increase the participation of Cubans living abroad in the political, economic and social life of their country of origin,” said Director General of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, last May 16.
Thanks to this policy, Cubans living abroad have participated in the debates on the new draft Constitution and the Family Code, and cooperation, business and investment projects have grown steadily and systematically, contributing to the country’s economic development.
There is no difference in the case of Yasmany Tomás or any other athlete, as the policy remains. A case in point is the Cuban men’s volleyball team, which is ready to participate in the Nations League starting June 7 with Cubans living abroad, just as they did in the event’s qualifying rounds, making the fans proud. The semifinalist Cuban team in the World Baseball Classic is another example. These players did not have to be repatriated, since their association was with the national federation for an international event. By the way, Pérez Pardo said that Tomás could join the ranks of the Cuban team in the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games.
The National Commissioner emphasized that a legal way is being sought to eliminate legal obstacles and regulations that, following the life and position of the country today, allow nationals to represent their hometown in national competitions. This mindset is very positive for baseball executives, as it could eventually allow a player of another nationality to play in the National Baseball Series or the Elite League. In short, the doors are open for Tomás or any other athlete.
Pérez Pardo made clear that what remains unchanged is that the players sanctioned due to serious indiscipline, like abandoning a Cuban team in an international competition, or leaving their team in during the season without authorization, are not eligible.
