Photo: Joshua Bessex/Getty Images
This edition of the Little League World Series It has the historical incentive of the first Cuban representation in the tournament. However, now it is the mystery that surrounds the eleven of Bayamo Little League-Granma after the disappearance of the coach was reported Jose Perez.
According to what was reported by the news agency PAthe tournament spokesperson, kevin fountain reported that the manager has not been seen since last Saturday night when he left the residential complex where the teams stay. Since then he has not returned to the Little League International Grove.
“Little League International has communicated with all relevant authorities and will ensure that the Bayamo team continues to have the best support and experience in Williamsport”indicated fountain.
The disappearance of the coach occurs after the Cuban Federation expand its relationship with the Little League until 2025 and after a deal between the organization and the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of State to obtain the 20 visas for players, coaches and managers.
Although there is no news about his whereabouts, the hypothesis that perez has deserted, something quite common in Cubans who arrive in USA with sports organizations.
A few months ago, during the World Baseball Classic after the elimination of eleven Cubans in the semifinals of the contest against USA, Ivan Prieto he decided to defect and not board the plane back to the island, thus becoming the first in the history of this tournament.
The link between the Little League and Cuba occurred in 2019 with the affiliation of 17 youth programs and their entry into the Little League World Seriesas part of the expansion in 2021.
José Pérez is, along with Vladimir Vargasone of the two coaches that the Cuban team has, which in its debut last Wednesday lost by a minimum against Japan. Later they defeated Australia 11-1, but fell on Saturday 3-2 to Panamaa result with which they sealed their final elimination.
However, the elimination does not mean the immediate departure from the complex or from the nation, since the teams reside for a longer time in the town and even play exhibition matches.
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