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Estadio Latinoamerica, Havana, Cuba
Four years of planning preceded the Baltimore Orioles' arrival in Havana in 1999. Permission from the State Department, Major League Baseball, the Players' Association and the Cuban government was required.
Finally, on March 28, the Cuban Estadio Latinoamerica hosted the historic exhibition game between the Orioles and the legendary Cuban National Team. The Orioles' journey marked the first time a big-league club has played in Cuba since 1959.
The crowd was not made up of the typically boisterous Cuban fans. Admittance was invitation-only, however the game was broadcast on Cuban and international television, with Castro front and center.
The Orioles came away with a 3-2, 11-inning victory in a game that was played on several levels. For the Orioles, it was a spring training game played on a world stage. For the Cubans, it was a chance to test their skills against some of the world's best-known players. "We showed we can play at the same level as the best teams," said Cuban third baseman Omar Linares.
Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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It was the first time a Cuban baseball team has ever played a professional team in the US It seemed, however, that the focus of that night's event was not just the game of baseball, as a wide array of political sentiment was felt before, during and after the game.
There was speculation about possible defections from the Cuban team. Sports agent Joe Cubas-who had been instrumental in the defections of over twenty Cuban players-was at Baltimore's Camden Yards.
Anti-Castro protesters were arriving by the busload from Cuban communities in Miami and New Jersey while others advocating an end to the US trade embargo against Cuba were already present. Areas were cordoned off to contain the demonstrators and block ticket sales were limited to prevent protesters from assembling inside the stadium.
Officials from the Clinton administration, the State Department and Congress were coming to the Orioles' stadium to observe the day's events. Immigration officials were also present.
The smell of Cuban food and the rhythm of Cuban music filled the stadium. Despite the festive atmosphere at Camden Yards, it was hard for the Orioles management to present the game as a simple cultural exchange.
In May of 1999, the Orioles had the worst record in the American League. Several players and the manager had stated to the national press that they would rather have the day off. The Cuban team made short work of the struggling Orioles, winning 12-6 after a 56-minute rain delay. The Cubans' decisive victory evened the series.