The third edition of Cuba's Elite Baseball League launched this Saturday, coinciding with a widespread blackout that has left much of the nation in the dark, highlighting the severe energy and infrastructure crises plaguing the island. As teams geared up for the opening match, countless Cubans endured power outages, prompting criticism and questioning the wisdom of holding a sports event amid one of the country’s most challenging periods in decades.
The opening game took place at Julio Antonio Mella Stadium in Las Tunas, featuring a matchup between the Ciego de Ávila Tigers and the home team, the Lumberjacks. Attending the game was Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman Waugh, accompanied by officials from the Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER), as well as top provincial authorities.
In contrast, at the Mártires de Barbados Stadium, Bayamo's official broadcaster, Radio Ciudad Monumento, reported that "the teams from Santiago de Cuba and Granma began their journey in the III Elite League of Cuban Baseball at 2:00 PM this Saturday, with a larger turnout than seen at the start of previous baseball events."
Sports authorities have maintained an optimistic narrative, emphasizing the Elite League's role in fostering baseball development in Cuba. Government-aligned profiles have insisted that "baseball helps us momentarily forget all our problems" and that the sport contributes to "the well-being and happiness of Cubans." They also noted significant attendance at other host stadiums, such as Captain San Luis in Pinar del Río, just an hour before the first game against Industriales in the tournament, which includes a total of 40 matches.
Beyond the energy crisis, Cubans face serious challenges accessing the Internet, hindering their ability to follow games through digital platforms. Despite the government's promotion of mobile data and online services, the reality remains that connectivity is expensive, unstable, and heavily restricted.
Frequent service interruptions, coupled with the high costs of data packages offered by ETECSA, make it impossible for many citizens to afford live broadcasts or stay informed about the championship's progress. This further widens the gap between official propaganda and daily life on the island, where baseball, once passionately followed, has become an unattainable luxury for a large segment of the population.
The third Elite League of Cuban Baseball unfolds in an uncertain setting, where resource scarcity, logistical challenges, and the increasing exodus of players have diminished the tournament's quality. In a country where electricity is a sporadic luxury, many Cubans are left wondering, "Who is baseball really being broadcasted for?"
Challenges and Questions About Cuba's Baseball Elite League
What challenges are affecting the Cuban Elite Baseball League?
The league is facing challenges such as severe energy and infrastructure crises, scarcity of resources, logistical difficulties, and a growing exodus of players, all of which impact the quality of the tournament.
Why are many Cubans unable to watch the baseball games?
Frequent power outages and expensive, unstable Internet connections prevent many Cubans from accessing live broadcasts or keeping up with the games, making it difficult to follow the tournament.
What is the government's stance on the baseball league during the crisis?
The government maintains an optimistic tone, emphasizing the league's importance for baseball development and its potential to momentarily distract from the country's problems, although this contrasts with the daily challenges faced by many Cubans.