2024-02-19 18:06:00
Text: Editorial Cuba Noticias 360
According to the communication from the National Baseball Commission, Mayabeque team player Jeison Martínez left Cuba legally through the “José MartÔ airport days before the 60th National Baseball Series restarted. At the end of a press release about the reopening of the qualifying phase this Tuesday, the CNB said that outfielder Richard Núñez became part of Mayabeque’s payroll “after Jeison Martínez Rodríguez traveled abroad, missing the signed contract with his team, which constitutes indiscipline.” If Martínez had escaped by sea, the official terminology would have been different as it involved alleged human trafficking.
The news of the possible escape of the 21-year-old player began to spread on social networks at the beginning of the week where it was indicated that his destination was the Dominican Republic. However, other sources pointed to Haiti, a well-known stop before anchoring in Santo Domingo to complete free agency with a view to joining the American Major Leagues.
After 72 games, Martínez was among the first in almost all offensive departments of the National Series. The sudden departure of the Mayan native occurred at a time when Cuba decided to reduce flights from Haiti, the United States, the Bahamas, Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic as of January 1, 2021 due to the growing number of coronavirus cases in the island.
The Cuban sports authorities are confident that with the arrival of Joe Biden in the White House, the agreement with the Major Leagues will thaw and open the way for Cuban baseball players to perform in the Big League without having to defect.
On the other hand, and as expected, the Santiago de Cuba team did not travel to Isla de la Juventud this Monday due to being in five-day isolation after a positive Covid-19 test was detected in its squad. This Tuesday, despite its roster decimated by injuries and infections, Industriales won its first of three games against Guantánamo, which raised the spirits of its followers. The top eight teams will advance to the postseason.