2 Cuban baseball players defect during North Carolina trip
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Two Cuban baseball players here in the Triangle plan to stay in our country. They defected during their visit to Cary and Durham. The Cuban National Team is in town this week playing in a series against some of America's best college players.
Many Cuban-Americans showed up to Friday night's game to root on the team. Some fans were upset the players defected, but are offering support.
"In Cuba, they play for the love of the sport. They play for pride, but that's all they get," said Yaimara Esquidel.
When Cuba's national baseball team took on Team USA, two players in prominent positions were missing. Third baseman Luis Yander La O Camacho and outfielder Yadiel Hernandez defected.
"They're just looking out for their families and for themselves," said Esquidel.
"It's not politics or nothing like that," said Raydel Abad.
The players essentially are leaving their team and the country. Back in Cuba, some people look down upon the decision, but here in the United States the choice can be incredibly lucrative.
Infielder Yoan Moncada was also granted release last year. He left the country and later agreed to a record $31.5 million signing bonus with the Boston Red Sox.
Fans said all the players did was seize an opportunity.
"They don't have anything. Some of them don't even have transportation other than a bike to get around. And these are the players. They are playing for the National Cuba team," said Esquidel. "They can actually make a living playing the sport."
"They can make a good life in this country," said Abad. "There's nothing wrong to think about the future."
There's no word on the players' whereabouts after the life-changing decision.
Cuba won Friday night's game at the DBAP 5-1 against Team USA.
