Repping Team Cuba ‘surreal experience’ for White Sox duo
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Neither Yoán Moncada nor Luis Robert appeared significantly excited for the 14-hour flight to Taiwan they have been getting ready to take Thursday.
The expertise awaiting them as soon as they get there, nonetheless, is one they’ve every been dreaming about for years.
Both White Sox stars might be representing Team Cuba at this 12 months’s World Baseball Classic, marking the primary time for the reason that WBC started in 2006 that Major League gamers might be eligible to play for the Cuban squad.
“I never thought that I would have the chance to play and represent the Cuban national team once I got here, because I was here and I knew all of the restrictions,” Moncada mentioned by means of an interpreter after the White Sox misplaced, 9-6, to the Guardians in a recreation referred to as within the high of the ninth as a result of inclement climate. “I’m very glad that I have this opportunity right now, and I am very hopeful that this is a first step for the Cuban players that are in the Major Leagues to represent their country in future tournaments.”
Both Robert and Moncada performed for Cuba’s U-15 and U-18 nationwide groups as youngsters, even taking part in on the identical workforce at a event in Taiwan in 2016. The concept of taking part in within the WBC appeared unrealistic as soon as they defected, leaving them as spectators in 2017.
Even final 12 months, it appeared far-fetched to suppose that large league gamers can be permitted to play in 2023 for Cuba, which required particular permission from the U.S. to take part for his or her residence nation.
Yet in January, that permission was granted, although gamers corresponding to Moncada and Robert weren’t allowed to journey to Cuba to work out with the workforce previous to the occasion.
“Honestly, that thought never crossed my mind,” Robert mentioned by means of an interpreter when requested if he ever thought he would have the ability to play for Team Cuba. “It had never happened before, so now that it’s happening, I just feel proud and very glad that I’m going to be part of the team now — especially being a Major Leaguer.”
Robert recalled gazing on the nationwide workforce’s airplane throughout his youth, possible fantasizing about at some point having a seat of his personal. He received’t be touring to Taiwan with the workforce — he and Moncada have their very own prolonged journey Thursday that features three separate flights — however the prospect of slipping again into the Cuban uniform will make that trek worthwhile.
“I’m pretty sure that’s going to be incredible,” Robert mentioned. “The last time that I wore the Cuban national team uniform was six or seven years ago. It has been a long time since I did it; having the chance to do it this time in the World Baseball Classic is going to be very special.”
Manager Pedro Grifol has been extremely impressed with each gamers this spring, and whereas he admitted to being “a little nervous” that the pair might be taking part in so far-off from White Sox camp, he believes each Moncada and Robert are prepared for what he referred to as “tough baseball.”
“It’s been a really good camp for both those guys,” Grifol mentioned. “Those guys are ready to go play tough baseball and baseball with some urgency. In the WBC, that’s what’s going to happen.”
To this level, there hasn’t been a lot trash speak between Moncada and Robert with their Chicago teammates representing different international locations, although that’s sure to vary if Cuba emerges from Pool A over the following two weeks and earns a visit to Miami for the semifinals.
“It’s pressure baseball; you’re talking about countries playing against countries,” Grifol mentioned. “There are some bragging rights in the clubhouses, there’s some bragging rights across the league. It’s an exciting time.”
Moncada mentioned his father has needed to see his son play for the Cuban workforce within the WBC for a number of years, as have many individuals from his hometown of Cienfuegos.
“It means a lot to me,” Moncada mentioned. “This wasn’t only a dream for me, however for these individuals too. … I’m fairly certain that’s going to be a surreal expertise for me.
“It’s going to be definitely one of the best experiences I will ever have in my life. I’m ready to take full advantage of it.”
