MATANZAS, Cuba • During a visit by Major League Baseball to Cuba engineered for symbolism, it doesn’t get richer than Antonio “Tony” Castro, son of iconic president Fidel, taking a jersey and a cap from Cubans in the stands and carrying the items, personally, for an autograph from a player who defected a few years ago.
In that moment Thursday at Estadio Victoria de Giron, Castro skirted around chairs, television camera equipment, and other obstacles to build a connection between Cuban fans and a Cuban player, Jose Abreu, who a short time ago was not welcome home after leaving Cuba for Major League Baseball.