It is Forbidden to Applaud Obama at the Baseball Game

It is Forbidden to Applaud Obama at the Baseball Game / 14ymedio
Posted on March 21, 2016

14ymedio, Havana, 19 March 2016 – "Do not applaud when Barack Obama
enters and do not wear caps or hats," are some of the verbal warnings
that accompany the entry tickets that are being distributed for the
baseball game between the Cuban team and the Tampa Bay Rays on 22 March
at the Latin American Stadium in Havana. The National Institute of
Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) has announced that the
game will be by invitation only.

The tickets are being handed out to members of the Communist Party, the
Young Communists Union and trusted officials, according to information
from several sources. Military training schools such as Camilo
Cienfuegos, located to the east of the capital, will also bring their
students dressed in plainclothes, to fill the stands of the Cerro colossus.

Directions include not bringing bags or phones, "not even the key to
your house," says Gonzalez, an accountant in a state company where the
invitations have been distributed to party members and administrative
cadres. "We must be there several hours in advance and we can't bring
bottles of water nor any other liquid," he adds.

Inder's decision was published Saturday and has already raised concerns
among the followers of the national pastime. At the "Hot Corner" in
Central Park where baseball is the constant topic of heated discussions
among its avid fans, the measure has not been greeted warmly. "In the
end, the real fans of the game are going to be left out," complains
Luisín, a frequent attendee of these sporting discussions.

The suspicion is shared among many baseball fans, although INDER has
clarified that invitations will go to "fans from all the municipalities
in the capital, labor and student centers, members of sports clubs and
other faithful followers of this discipline."

Around the stadium and in the access area strict security controls will
consist of several cordons, and protection measures similar to those for
an airport will be applied. "There will be metal detectors at the
entrance," said an employee.

The US president will visit the Latin American Stadium with a delegation
including cabinet members, members of congress, senators, a part of the
diplomatic corps settled on the island and other special guests. Raul
Castro will also be present. Television and national radio will
broadcast the game live.

The 30 Cuban players who, under the leadership of Victor Mesa, will face
the Tampa Bay Rays franchise of Major League Baseball (MLB), trained for
the moment at the San Jose de Las Lajas Stadium, while the final details
were being worked out at the Latin American Stadium.

This week the Cuban Federation announced the selection of three
catchers, 10 infielders, six outfielders and 11 pitchers, who will face
the northerners, in what will be the second game of its kind since 1959.
The first was 17 years ago between a national team and the Baltimore
Orioles.

Source: It is Forbidden to Applaud Obama at the Baseball Game / 14ymedio
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