Cuban Baseball Delegates Visit Biloxi; Want to Play on Coast

Baseball is known as America’s favorite past time, but the last few decades have seen an explosion of international interest, and Cuba is no exception. Friday, two worlds collided at MGM Park as Biloxi and Cuba baseball reps met at the diamond at Biloxi’s under construction baseball stadium.

It won’t be long before Gulf Coast residents will be singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ and taking part in the seventh inning stretch at MGM Park. While it may be the home of the Biloxi Biloxi Shuckers, officials are looking at even more options, including going international. Tim Bennett, co-owner of the Biloxi Shuckers, says, "The goal is to eventually have teams come in from all over the world and specifically Biloxi, to play baseball."

Delegates from a Cuban team came to tour the stadium Friday and discuss the prospect of bringing their team to Biloxi. American relations with Cuba have greatly improved in the last few years, but negotiations will need to be thorough. Bob Alexander, a Cuban delegate from Strategic Sports International, says, "If this can be worked out the correct way, the proper way to appease both governments, I think it’s a huge opportunity."

Many residents feel more baseball is always better than less baseball and think it will be beneficial to the city. Bobby Carter, Director of Community Development for the Golden Nugget, says, "We have a brand new stadium behind us, you know, why not bring them to Biloxi? Let them enjoy Biloxi and the Gulf Coast and see what we have to offer."

With MGM Park literally months away from completion, city and Shuckers officials feel there is more than enough stadium to go around. Felix Gines, Biloxi City Councilman for Ward 2 and Acting Mayor, says, "This is our cornerstone. We’re laying the cornerstone for the City of Biloxi for economic growth and economic development. This is a prime key for us."

The Biloxi International Games (B.I.G.) Tournament will bring talent from around the world to Biloxi, and at least in Cuba, baseball is second nature. Edurardo Otero, another Cuban baseball delegate, says, "Baseball is their life. Every Cuban boy plays baseball. It doesn’t matter how good they are, they just play baseball. It’s in their blood."

For many Cuban players, playing in America will be a dream come true.