Nostalgia and agony, the Cuban All-Star Game in Miami is well worth a hug, despite the regrets

They don’t let him walk. Lázaro Vargas tries to make his way to the place where he will pick up his uniform to participate in the Cuban Baseball All-Star Game, but dozens of fans stop him in his eagerness to take a photo with the former third baseman of the Industriales.

Vargas himself, who arrived at the Tamiami Park Field this Saturday along with his son Miguel Antonio, cannot believe that he still arouses so much interest in the mostly Cuban fans who came to witness the 11th event of this type.

“It’s something that touches my heart,” commented Vargas excitedly. “You don’t know how much this means to me. They, the fans, do not know what you feel inside when you see these displays of affection. As long as I can continue to support this endeavor, you can count on me.”

With great effort, the organizers, with few resources and support, are determined to maintain with an artificial respirator a meeting that was once really stellar, bright, bringing together thousands of fans who enjoyed the heroes of yesterday and today.

Some came from yesterday -Agustín Marquetti, Andy Morales, Alexei Ramírez, Enrique Díaz and others-, from today’s we should highlight the presence of the star Randy Arozarena, outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, and the son of Vargas, Miguel Antonio, who advances rapidly through the Dodgers’ system.

Despite everything, hundreds of fans flocked to Tamiami Park to see the remains of this game that is still capable of raising applause, especially among those who witnessed those National Series of the 80s and 90s of the last century.

“The mere fact of meeting up with other players and receiving the affection of the people is more than enough to come here,” said Ramírez, who has not yet made an official announcement about his retirement. “The game is a reason, an excuse to see each other, hug each other and remember.”

WHY SHOULD YOU NOT DIE?

The Cuban All-Star Game has gone through several phases, some better and others not so much. Now it is in a moment of continuity that is not one of the happiest, but it is a project that is maintained against all odds, and must not die under any circumstances.

Applause for Rafael Milanés who fought his heart out and what he could with what he had to carry out this 2022 edition, but it is clear that the game needs oxygen balloons. All those who can help should shoulder the effort to breathe life into the Cuban All-Star Game in Miami. All traditions go through lights and darkness, but endure over time.

In the end, they all joined in a heartfelt hug. Some ex-players see each other a lot, others do it once a year, when the game comes on. The friendship, which lay dormant, turns green from January to January.

RANDY AROZARENA!!!!

It came at the last minute, but Randy Arozarena made his mark stronger than anyone in the All-Star Game. The Rays player hit a home run with the bases loaded in the last inning to put the final score of 10-8 in favor of the Red Team over the Blue.

“The presence of Arozarena was, without a doubt, an important element of the game in 2022,” revealed Rafael Milanés, the main organizer of this event. “Everyone wanted a piece of Arozarena and he had a minute for everyone. A great human being.”

THE FUNKY AT BAT

Eliécer Márquez, whom everyone knows as El Funky, hit the first ball of the All-Star Game, in recognition of his position against the Cuban regime and his participation in Patria y Vida, a song that has become a symbol of freedom.

“Super happy to be here and to be able to hit in front of all these stars,” said El Funky, who was well recognized by the public. “I see Cuban athletes super connected in favor of change like Yordenis Ugás. It is an honor to be here. All for the cause brother”.

This story was originally published on January 15, 2022 5:17 p.m.