Fan Interference

Within hours of the Cuban national team’s arrival in Miami for an Olympic qualifying event, Cuban infielder Cesar Prieto defected.

Needless to say, Cuban leadership was not pleased. In a statement from the Cuban national baseball federation: “His decision, which is contrary to the commitment he made with both his country and team, has generated repudiation among his colleagues and other members of the delegation, who are willing to overcome foreign interests to be faithful to our homeland and the mission with which we traveled to the tournament.”

He led Cuban baseball with a .403 average in 74 games for Cienfuegos during their last season.