The Sports Stars Who Made Baseball Diplomacy History

President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro share a laugh as they attend an exhibition game between the Cuban national baseball team and Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Devil Rays at the Estado Latinoamericano March 22, 2016 in Havana, Cuba. This is the first time a sitting president has visited Cuba in 88 years. (Chip Somodevilla image)

By NAN Sports Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Mar. 24, 2016:  Sports diplomacy was made on global parade on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 when President Barack Obama turned to his left and shook the hand of his seatmate and Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro in the front row of Havana’s Estadio Latinoamericano. That moment – and not the 4-1 win by the Tampa Bay Rays over the Cuban National team in the exhibition game – marked a moment few will forget and several baseball stars from both sides along with over 55,000 screaming fans were there as witnesses. So who were some of the players marking this historic day in US/Cuban history?

They were as follows:

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) uses his hands to pretend to sleep as Cuban President Raul Castro gives a thumbs up during an exhibition game between the Cuban national baseball team and Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Devil Rays at the Estado Latinoamericano March 22, 2016 in Havana, Cuba. This is the first time a sittng president has visited Cuba in 88 years.
(Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla)

Tampa Bay Rays:

Pitchers (14): Chris Archer, Matt Andriese, Andrew Bellatti, Brad Boxberger, Xavier Cedeno, Alex Cobb, Alex Colome, Danny Farquhar, Steve Geltz, Matt Moore, Enny Romero, Drew Smyly, Ryan Webb y Chase Whitley.

Catchers (3): Curt Casali, Hank Conger y René Rivera.

Infielders (10): Tim Beckham, Logan Forsythe, Nick Franklin, James Loney, Evan Longoria, Brad Miller, Logan Morrison, Taylor Motter, Steve Pearce y Richie Shaffer.

Outfielders (7): Corey Dickerson, Brandon Guyer, Desmond Jennings, Kevin Kiermaier, Mikie Mahtook, Steven Souza Jr. y Dayron Varona.

The Cuban National Team did not release their full roaster but members included:

Rudy Reyes

Jose Adolis Garcia, OF, the younger brother of Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia

Yunier Cano, RHP

Yosvani Alarcon, C

Livan Moinelo, LHP

Guillermo Aviles, 1B/OF