Overall, the spring exhibition between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National Team on Tuesday was a major success. Presidents from both countries sat together and enjoyed the game, the players understood the gravity and importance of the experience and the fans and atmosphere in the park was exceptional.
While the improved relationship between the two countries is a good thing for the sport of baseball, many have strong opinions about the impact it will have on citizens. That sentiment was reflected during an ESPN report following the game.
The broadcasters attempted to toss to reporter Bob Ley, who was outside in Havana. Ley began to give his report, but he was interrupted by a Cuban political demonstrator. Ley initially attempted to get through his report before throwing it back to the studio. After a brief demonstration, the protestor was removed from the scene.
Once things settled down, ESPN went back to Ley for an explanation of what happened.
As Ley outlined, it appears a group of demonstrators appeared near the set in order to distribute pamphlets "calling for reforms in Cuban law." They were quickly restrained and taken away by police officers, who then scooped up the pamphlets. No one appeared to be hurt during the demonstration.
It was somewhat of a shocking moment, not just for those watching, but also for the ESPN broadcasters back at the stadium.
It goes to underscore a point that might have gotten lost in the flag-waving friendly nature of Tuesday's exhibition: Progress has been made toward a better relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, but that doesn't mean all Cubans are happy with the current state of their government.
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