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Cuba’s Pre-Olympic Roster Through My Lens

Team Cuba batter in a blue and white uniform and red helmet set at the plate

The Tokyo Olympics are expected to commence in a few months. Baseball is returning and 2 of the 6 berths are still up for grabs. Cuba is hoping to qualify and re-establish itself as an Olympic Baseball powerhouse. I recently… Continue Reading

Higinio Vélez 1947-2021 Cuban Baseball President

Close-up portrait of Cuban baseball president Higinio Velez in a suit

Holding the title of president seems to be inherently polarizing. Higinio Veléz held the title of president of the Cuban baseball federation from 2008 until his passing May 12th, 2021. Veléz was definitely polarizing. I met Higinio in passing multiple… Continue Reading

Yoelqui Céspedes Is Double A Bound

Team Cuba batter in a blue uniform and red helmet making contact, the ball visible in flight

Jim Callis is reporting that Yoelqui Céspedes is Double A Bound in 2021. The 23 year old from Granma is currently with the clubs extended spring training squad. He is awaiting the resolution of a visa issue but isn’t expected… Continue Reading

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Yosvani Alarcón Las Tunas Through My Lens

Yosvani Alarcon rests his bat on his shoulder in a green and red Las Tunas uniform

No position on a baseball field asks more of a player than catching, and Yosvani Alarcón has done it at the top of the Cuban game for Las Tunas. These are my photographs of Yosvani Alarcón. “Donning the tools of… Continue Reading

Norel Gonzalez Through My Lens

Norel Gonzalez follows through on a swing in a red and white Cuban league uniform

When news broke in January 2021 that Norel Gonzalez had signed with the Houston Astros, he became the latest Villa Clara bat bound for the majors. These are my photographs of Norel Gonzalez in Cuba. When news broke in January… Continue Reading

Juan Carlos Torriente of Industriales Through My Lens

Juan Carlos Torriente shades his eyes with his cap in a red Cuba jersey, number 4

Juan Carlos Torriente gave sixteen seasons to Industriales and the Cuban National Series before the end came into view. These are my photographs of Juan Carlos Torriente, in Havana and with Team Cuba. One of the biggest complaints about analytics… Continue Reading

Leslie Anderson Camagüey Bull to Bull Durham and Back.

Leslie Anderson holds his bat in a blue Camaguey jersey in front of the stands

The inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 looks like a text book case of unintended consequences for Cuba. Cuba finished 2nd to Japan in a hotly contested tournament. Even as the runner up, it cemented their status as a World… Continue Reading

Being Frank About Cuban Baseball

Two men clasp hands and laugh while standing in shallow water at a Cuban beach

The Baseball fan base more than most sports connects and polarizes around debate. Debating eras, teams, players, rules and transactions is a huge part of the baseball zeitgeist. My foray into the Cuban baseball world mirrors this, even if I… Continue Reading

Yoelvis Fiss Ciego de Avila Through My Lens

Close-up portrait of Yoelvis Fiss in a red jersey

Yoelvis Fiss announced that the 60th Cuban National Series would be his last, closing twenty-one years in the Ciego de Ávila outfield. These are my photographs of Yoelvis Fiss. Yoelvis Fiss Ciego de Avila Tigres centerfielder has announced that the… Continue Reading

Estadio Latinoamericano Havana Through My Lens

Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana at night, floodlit with a game in progress

Estadio Latinoamericano Havana Cuba is the second largest baseball stadium in the world by capacity. Its 55,000 maximum capacity trails only Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Stadium is home to Industriales of Havana and previously hosted The Metropolitanos as… Continue Reading