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Key takeaways:
– Cuba’s Little League World Series team has been eliminated from the tournament, but now they may have to face another challenge as their coach, Jose Perez, has gone missing.
– Little League International has assured that they are working with authorities to support the team and provide the best experience for them.
– This incident occurred amid Little League International’s efforts to include Cuba in the tournament and their recent extension of partnership with the Cuban Baseball Federation.
Cuba’s journey in the Little League World Series has come to an end, but now they face an unexpected setback. Coach Jose Perez has reportedly gone missing from Williamsport ahead of their game against Panama. Little League International has assured that they are working with authorities and will continue to support Cuba’s team during their stay.
The Little League World Series has been making efforts to include Cuba in their tournament. They have developed a rotation system that includes Puerto Rico, Panama, and now Cuba. While two teams receive automatic bids, the third team has to qualify through regional tournaments. Cuba had a challenging start, losing their first game against Japan but then bounced back with a dominant win against Australia. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in a close match against Panama.
The disappearance of Coach Perez adds another layer of uncertainty to Cuba’s experience in the tournament. He left the complex voluntarily, and an official familiar with the investigation mentioned that a vehicle on Route 15 took him away, but the details surrounding the situation remain vague. It is too early to label Perez as a defector, as is often the case with Cuban athletes, as there is not enough information available at the moment.
Cuba has faced defections in the past, especially in the realm of baseball. Just recently, catcher Ivan Prieto defected after the World Baseball Classic in Miami. He now plays in La Liga Mexicana. The situation with Coach Perez is still developing, and it remains to be seen what his intentions are.
Little League International and the Cuban Baseball Federation recently extended their partnership through 2025, showing their commitment to working together. The disappearance of Coach Perez, however, raises questions about the challenges faced by Cuban athletes and the potential impact on their participation in international sporting events.
As more information becomes available, this story will continue to be updated. The focus remains on supporting the Cuban Little League team and ensuring they have a positive experience despite this unexpected turn of events.