U.S. baseball preferred by defectors of Castro's rule*** When Eddie Oropesa made the Cuban national team in 1993, it was one of the best days of his life. Not because he could represent his country; because he could leave it. Six weeks later, Oropesa did just that, defecting during a tour of the United States. He left behind his pregnant wife, Rita, and a father, Edilberto, who was jailed and beaten when he spoke proudly of his son's exploits.
While the U.S. celebrated its independence earlier this month, Oropesa's party was Thursday - nine years and a day after he defected, six years to the day after his family was permitted to leave Cuba. Oropesa reunited with them on a wet day in Costa Rica on July 11, 1996. "We were crying for an hour," Oropesa said. "We didn't talk. Nothing. "That day was the first day I saw my son. Every day when I wake up, I give thanks to God and this country. This country is the best in the world. They gave me freedom for me and for my family." ***
Thanks for the update. We do not appreciate what lack of freedom means. Think of all the great players who once came from Cuba and would still come if only they could. Castro is depriving these folks of millions of dollars which would be spread across the island in commerce benefiting all Cubans. Maybe he still carries a grudge that when he tried out as a pitcher for the Washington Senators in the 1950's, he was rejected. As a leader of his people, he is also rejected.