Sports

Stephen D. Keener, Little League International president, left, holds still for photos as he gifts a jersey to Antonio Castro, son of Cuba's late leader Fidel Castro who represents Cuban baseball, during a ceremony in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, March 6, 2019. Cuban baseball and Little League International are launching a relationship that will allow young Cuban players to participate in international Little League tournaments, following a MLB deal with the Cuban Baseball Federation allowing Cuban players to legally play professionally in the U.S. for the first time. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Little League to include Cuban youth players

By The Associated Press March 6, 2019 at 9:25am

HAVANA (AP) — Cuban baseball and Little League International said Wednesday that young Cuban players will soon be able to participate in international Little League tournaments.

The agreement follows a deal between Major League Baseball and the Cuban Baseball Federation that will allow Cuban players to legally play professionally in the United States for the first time.

The two organizations said that Cuba’s programs for children between 4 and 12 will now be included in Little League’s international programs, including the Little League International Tournament. The Cubans will have a chance to qualify at the Caribbean Region Tournament in Curacao in July.

“It’s encouraging for the family, for the children, for the coaches … who with their work and effort will have a chance to represent Cuba in an event of this magnitude,” said Higinio Velez, president of the Cuban Baseball Federation.

Little League International said it would work with Cuba’s baseball federation to provide support for things including tournament travel, field renovation and equipment such as shoes and uniforms.

“One of the most important things we’ve thought about … is the value of developing friendly relationships through children who play baseball,” said Little League President Stephen Keener, who traveled to Cuba to sign the agreement.

The deal comes at a time of high tension between Cuba and the Trump administration, which is increasing pressure on the island’s socialist government.

___

Follow Andrea Rodriguez on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP

The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.

Submit a Correction →

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:

Sports, WJ Wire

The Associated Press

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter

@AP

Facebook

The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.

Location

New York City