Tampa Bay Rays are going to Cuba!

This Sunday, March 20^th, the Tampa Bay Rays are off to Cuba for an exhibition game, against the Cuban National Team. The game will be held on Tuesday, March 22^nd in Havana, Cuba. This game holds significant importance, as it will mark MLB’s first trip to Cuba, since the Orioles in 1999.  The selection process consisted of seven Major League teams applying and the Rays were selected by Commissioner Rob Mansfred via lottery. Given the recent lottery win, the Rays have had to do organize everything quite quickly. Baseball is a very important sport in Cuba and it has become an important part of the Cuban national identity. The players are very excited for the opportunity to play in Cuba and have also gathered clothing and equipment, as donations. This is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Rays and it is an opportunity for their brand to get exposure internationally.