PHOTOS: MLB caravan arrives in Cuba
The Tampa Bay Rays will become the first major-league club to play in Cuba since 1999 when they take on the Cuban National Team on Tuesday at Estadio Latinoamericano.
A traveling party of 145 made the trip to Havana on Sunday evening, with the Rays serving as the main attraction.
Boys on the bus getting ready for Cuba! @CupOfLoMo @ReneRivera13 @theloney_s. pic.twitter.com/4zaniZrAHU
— Evan Longoria (@Evan3Longoria) March 20, 2016
Rays pitcher Chis Archer is hoping for an "authentic interaction" with the people in Cuba, and is looking forward to having the "opportunity to showcase the game."
@ChrisArcher22 and Ready for this Cuba flight! #RaysInCuba #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/3FomxqQtGp
— Steven Souza Jr. (@SouzaJr) March 20, 2016
The event has even reunited Derek Jeter with former New York Yankees skipper Joe Torre, who is now Major League Baseball's chief baseball officer.
Ali y Joe Torre abordan su avión rumbo a La Habana junto a Derek Jeter - Foto vía Joe... https://t.co/3Oq8ld0sI7 pic.twitter.com/GrSDPblHcB
— Marly Rivera ~ ESPN (@MarlyRiveraESPN) March 20, 2016
Other special guests making the trip include MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark, and Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.
How stands the union? @MLB_PLAYERS chief Tony Clark, @DaveWinfieldHOF and Jose Cruz readying for Cuba! Winny, ❤️ u! pic.twitter.com/nl13DRwgse
— Claire Smith (@MzCSmith) March 20, 2016
Former MLB pitcher and Cuban native, Luis Tiant, will also be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Luis Tiant y José Cardenal before getting on the plane to La Habana and making history.... https://t.co/n2V7ecTSjN pic.twitter.com/CnGSdN4wMA
— Marly Rivera ~ ESPN (@MarlyRiveraESPN) March 20, 2016