HAVANA — Four Cuban major leaguers returned here on Tuesday as part of baseball’s first trip to Cuba since 1999.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig, St. Louis catcher Brayan Pena, Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu and free-agent shortstop Alexei Ramirez were swarmed by fans and members of the Cuban news media in the lobby of Havana’s Hotel Nacional at the start of the three-day visit.
Puig, who fled Cuba in 2012, wrapped his old coach Juan Arechavaleta in a bear hug, resting his face atop the smaller man’s head.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Puig said.