President Barack Obama wrote an exclusive article for ESPN.com on his trip to Cuba to watch the Tampa Bay Rays face the Cuban national team Tuesday at Estadio Latinoamericano, the first exhibition game between an MLB and Cuban team in 17 years.
The president elaborated on the basis for the visit and what it might mean for American and Cuban relations going forward:
That's what this visit is about: remembering what we share, reflecting upon the barriers we've broken—as people and as nations—and looking toward a better future. Because while I will not ignore the important differences between our governments, I came to Cuba to extend the hand of friendship to the Cuban people.