President Obama to attend Rays-Cuba exhibition game in Havana

Earlier this week, MLB announced the Rays will play an exhibition game in Cuba on March 22. They will play the Cuban National Team at Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana.

"During a time of historic change, we appreciate the constructive role afforded by our shared passion for the game, and we look forward to experiencing Cuba's storied baseball tradition and the passion of its many loyal fans," said commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.

The Rays will not be making the trip alone. President Barack Obama is planning to join them. MLB announced the Commander in Chief will join the team in Cuba for the game later this month.
"It adds a great dimension to the trip, and it's going to shine an even greater spotlight on the events and on Major League Baseball," said Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman to reporters Wednesday.

The Rays will be the first major league franchise to play in Cuba since 1999, when the Orioles played a spring game against the National Team. The O's were the first to visit Cuba since 1959.

Manfred selected the Rays from a group of teams that all expressed interest in making the trip.
Source: AFP