Rays To Play Exhibition In Cuba

The Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Cuban National Team on March 22 in Havana, MLB’s first visit to Cuba since 1999, when the Orioles played an exhibition game.

The trip had been rumored for months, especially after MLB made a goodwill trip to the island in December, which included Cuban natives Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers, Jose Abreu of the White Sox, Brayan Pena of the Cardinals and Alexei Ramirez of the Padres.

“Major League Baseball is excited to play in Cuba and to have the Tampa Bay Rays representing our 30 clubs,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “During a time of historic change, we appreciate the constructive role afforded by our shared passion for the game, and we look forward to experiencing Cuba’s storied baseball tradition and the passion of its many loyal fans.”

The league also announced that President Barack Obama will be in attendance for the game, tweeting: “We are honored that @POTUS plans to attend the @raysbaseball game in Havana, Cuba, on March 22.”

Play ball! https://t.co/S4DhVYa4Ef

— President Obama (@POTUS) March 2, 2016

“The Rays are extremely proud to represent Major League Baseball on a trip that will be so memorable and significant for two countries that revere our great sport,” Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said in a statement. “Our franchise will be privileged to visit Cuba, to share the field with its National Team and to embody the goodwill of our game.”