Documentary, Journey to Cuba, to Premiere June 16

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A documentary being produced about the Vermont team’s historic trip is set to premiere June 16 with a screening at Contois Auditorium at City Hall, Burlington, Vermont, beginning at 7 p.m.

The event is free and all are welcome!

Check out the trailer in the post below.

Team Vermont Recognized at Statehouse

Players and coaches of the Vermont baseball team visited the statehouse today for the passing of a house concurrent resolution honoring the team for its historic journey to Havana, Cuba.

The resolution was sponsored by representatives from Burlington, Bristol, Winooski, Essex, Shelburne and Hinesburg.

The full resolution can be read here, in PDF form: H.C.R.390

The players received a standing ovation by the representatives following the passing of the resolution.

The team was greeted by Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott upon arrival to the capitol, and was also congratulated by Governor Peter Shumlin during the visit.

The players pose with Governor Peter Shumlin.
The players and coaches were congratulated by Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin at the state house.
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin shakes the hand of player Tate Agnew.
The Vermont House of Representatives rise for a standing ovation.
The Vermont House of Representatives rise for a standing ovation.
Coach Tom Simon looks on proudly while his team is congratulated at the state house.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Scot chats with members of the Vermont team that travelled to Cuba this April.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott poses for a photo along with the players and coaches of the Vermont baseball team that travelled to Cuba this April.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Scot chats with members of the Vermont team that travelled to Cuba this April.
The Vermont team outside of the state house in Montpelier.

Day 6: Victory, Playa del Este, and Farewells

Ollie Pudvar waits for instruction from his new coach after reaching first base.
The front desk in the lobby of our hotel, the Bella Habana.
We stopped by the United States Embassy in Havana for a photo.
From left to right: Vermont parent Wendy Watson, translator and guide Lester Bolla, and parent Tim Pudvar at the Olivo restaurant following the final dinner.
Playa del Este, the beach where we enjoyed a dip in the ocean.
Beautiful architecture on the Havana waterfront.
Enjoying a post game lunch.
Anna Jenemann of Team Vermont plays right field.
A Vermont catcher takes part in the pre-game skills competition.
Journaling in the airport after the trip of a lifetime.
Vermont players (from left to right) Noland Simon, Anna Jenemann, and Ollie Pudvar watch the skills competition that was held before the game.
Eli Bostwick (left) poses for a photo with a player from the the Havana provincial team during the postgame lunch.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana, which reopened less than one year ago.
A happy player from La Habana after winning a round of the pre-game skills competition.
The American flag flying at the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
The grandson of Jesus Gutierrez, a Cuban Baseball Federation official, hits a ball before the game.
Vermont Coach Tom Simon gets a jersey signed by Yosvani Aragon, a former star Cuban pitcher. The jersey is the final one he ever wore, and was given to Simon as a gift.
Ollie Pudvar of team Vermont watches his hit after making contact. He went five for his last six at-bats while in Cuba!
Enjoying a final dinner before departing from Cuba.
Desserts from the buffet at the farewell dinner.
Playa del Este, the beach where we enjoyed a dip in the ocean.
A player from La Habana makes a throw to home plate during the skills competition.
Tate Agnew (right) poses with the winner of the outfield portion of the skills competition.
From left to right: Vermont player Nolan Simon, star Cuban pitcher Yosvani Aragon, and Vermont coach Tom Simon,.
Rounding the bases during the baserunning part of the skills competition.
Running to first base in the game against the provincial team.
Ollie Pudvar reaches out to make a catch in centerfield, just barely missing the ball.
Star Cuban pitcher Yosvani Aragon gives Vermont player Nolan Simon a pitching lesson.
The author of this blog along with our guide and translator, Lester Bolla.
Tate Agnew makes a throw home during the skills competition.
Our translator, Lester Bolla, shakes the hand of Vermont player Anna Jenemann after receiving a Vermont baseball t-shirt.
A sign near the U.S. Embassy that in English reads: “patriotism or death!”
Delicious drinks at the farewell dinner.
A banner in the dugout for La Habana, the Havana provincial team.
An exterior view of our hotel, the Bella Habana.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana.
Ollie Pudvar (right), shakes hands with the first place competitor in the base running skills competition.
La Habana, the Havana provincial team, warms up prior to their game against Vermont.
Chemicals in the air released to kill mosquitoes and prevent Zika virus. This is a regular practice in Cuba.
Eli Bostwick watches the pitcher while warming-up.
Andrew Goodrich makes a throw while playing shortstop against the Havana provincial team.
Enjoying a final dinner before departing from Cuba.Enjoying a final dinner before departing from Cuba.
Will Gumbrell looks on at the batter while playing second base.
Ollie Pudvar of Team Vermont, looks on at the action.
Anna Jenemann (#12) up to bat during the final ballgame of the week.
The lobby of our hotel, the Bella Habana.
Skills competition officials observe the competition.
Nolan Simon receives his certificate for completion of studies at the Jose Marti Institute.
Andrew Goodrich of team Vermont gets ready for the pitch in the team’s game against La Habana.
Players from both teams switched sides for a great experience.
A group of countless flag poles, a reminder of the Cold War. Many Cuban flags once flew here to block propaganda projected by the U.S.
The La Luceita Restaurant, where the players enjoyed a postgame meal.
The team poses for a photo with the Vermont and United States flags outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
A slugger from La Habana, the provincial team, up to bat.
The top competitors in a division of the skills competition. Ollie Pudvar (center), and Anna Jenemann (right).
Receiving instructions prior to the skills competition.

We woke up early this morning, as we had to arrive at the field for 8:30 am for a very special and important game. Our competition was La Habana–the provincial all-star team containing the best players in the entire city. The team is also essentially the 11-12 year old academy team for the Havana Industriales. Following Cuban tradition, we started the game with a skills competition, something always done before all-star games. The competition included four categories: throws to second base by the catchers (for accuracy), throws from centerfield to home plate, running from home to first, and running around all the bases. Speedy Vermonter Cyrus Perkinson earned the only American victory in any of the competitions, but it was a solid win nonetheless. Perkinson picked up first place in the home to first base running challenge, with a blistering time of 3.29 seconds.

The game started with a unique experience. In order to create a fun, competitive, and balanced team, five Cuban players, and five American players switched sides. The kids had fun interacting with their new teammates and playing alongside them in the field. There were some incredibly talented Cuban ballplayers. The Havana team included the best catcher in the nation, Julio Cesar Perez, and the second best pitcher, Marcos Reyes. He was throwing scorching fastballs the entire team he pitched, and almost struck out the side. Coach Tom Simon played catch with him and said his hand was swollen after. He later asked him at lunch how fast he pitches, and Reyes let him know that he reaches 70 mph!

Head coach Jim Carter was pleased with the decision to mix the teams. He said it was a terrific way to end the week.

It will be interesting to watch these Cuban players in the future. Some of them had tremendous talent, and several could possible be Major League caliber in the future.

The game was a first for the Vermonters–a victory against one of the best teams around. The final score was 13-5, a solid victory for the American team (with a little help from the Cubans). Ozzie Kost had a solid play at third base and Nolan Simon contributed some sharp pitching and catching. Simon’s highlight of the game was striking out a top Cuban slugger in the third inning. Ollie Pudvar continued his hot streak at the plate, leading the way for the Americans by going five for his last six at-bats. Tate Agnew played several strong innings at first base, making key plays and snags. Eli Bostwick was also a top contributer, catching the blazing fast Cuban pitchers for the last four innings.

 

For those of you who were unaware (I forgot to mention this in earlier posts), one of our players, Carter Monks, was injured in the second game. He hurt his knee while stretching out to make a catch at first base. He is unable to play, but doing very well. The Cubans have been treating him very graciously, and had him throw out the first pitch today.

After out ballgame we headed off to lunch with the Habana all-stars. WE enjoyed a delicious meal with the team, and Coach Tom Simon received a one-of-a-kind gift from Yosvani Aragon, a great Cuban pitcher. He gave Simon the final jersey he had ever worn in a baseball game, and signed it. Wow, what a gift!

Our next stop–Playa del Este, for a brief but enjoyable dip in the ocean. Everyone enjoyed the refreshing and salty waters at the nicest beach in Havana. It was a great way to finish off the week.

Our bus speed off from the beach to bring us to our farewell dinner. We enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner. Jorge and Lorraine were there and provided us with certificates from the Marti Center. It was a great moment of reflection on this wonderful journey we have all experienced together. I cannot wait to share with you all the great photos and videos I have taken this week. While I have not posted any photos tonight, as soon as I arrive back in the United States I will provide you with the photos that accompany all these posts.

I am posting from the Havana Airport. Our flight will in half an hour, and while we all had a fantastic adventure, we are looking forward to heading home.

Goodbye from Havana for the final time!

Day 5: Estadio, Esquina Caliente, and More Baseball

NOTE: This post has been updated to include the photos I was previously unable to upload.

The National Theatre, an incredible piece of architecture.
Vermont Coach Jim Carter writes today’s lineup in Havana’s central park. The capitol building is visible in the background.
Historic architecture in Central Park, Havana.
The National Capitol Building, while our tour guide claimed was two feet taller than ours in Washington, D.C. The building is currently under renovation.
The team gathers around at esquina caliente or the “hot corner” in Havana’s Central Park to observe locals argue about baseball.
Vermont Coach Tom Simon chats with locals about baseball at the Hot Corner in Havana’s Central Park.
Classic cars in the Capitol district of Havana.
A sign in a outfield of Playa Stadium, where the Vermonters play their games against Cuban teams.
The coach of Marianao, the Cuban team the Vermonters played.
A Cuban ballplayer on Marianao makes a catch at first base.
A pitcher for the Cuban team Marianao warms up in the bullpen prior to the game against Vermont.
Team Vermont parent Dave Kost (far right) poses with new friends in the stands at Playa Stadium.
The Cuban flag is presented during pregame ceremonies.
Vermont Coach Jim Carter alongside player August Rinehart during the playing of the National Anthem.
Vermont Player William Gumbrell holds the U.S. flag during the playing of the National Anthem.
Cuban umpires stand to respect the playing of the U.S. National Anthem.
Vermont players during the playing of the U.S. National Anthem.
Vermont players during the playing of the U.S. National Anthem.
A Marianao player up to bat in the game against team Vermont.
Vermont player Andrew Goodrich makes a play at shortstop.
Nolan Simon fires a pitch in the Vermonters’ game against Marianao.
Cuban baseball star stands next to Vermont player Nolan Simon after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
Vermont player Nolan Simon stares in at the batter.
Vermont coach Tom Simon shakes hands with Marianao coach Leonis Acosta before the game.
A Marianao player takes a lead during their game against Vermont.
A Vermonter and a Cuban side-by-side at third base.
A Cuban umpire looks in on the action.
Vermonter August Rinehart throws home from right field during the game against Marianao.
A player with a jersey sporting the last name, O’Reilly, not your typical Cuban name!
The crowd at Playa Stadium to watch a team from the United States play Marianao.
Vermont player Ollie Pudvar (#37) heads for second base.
Ollie Pudvar of team Vermont looks in on the action while at first base.
A Vermonter makes contact against a Marianao pitcher.
The Vermont team poses with Cuban baseball great Yosvani Aragon.
Vermont player Tate Agnew prepares to make a play at first base.
Both teams pose for a photo following the game
From left to right: Tate Agnew and Cyrus Perkinson, Vermont players, with a player from the Cuban team Marianao.
Vermonter Nolan Simon with a Cuban players after exchanging jerseys.
From left to right: August Rinehart, Ozzie Kost, and a Cuban player during the postgame dinner.
Ollie Pudvar (center) and Tate Agnew (far right) with a Cuban player during the post-game dinner.
Tom Simon (second from left) and Cuban baseball great Yosvani Aragon (far right), pose for a photo with members of the local baseball community. Aragon was a pitcher for Gallos de Sancti Spiritus between 1997 and 2007 and one of the best in Cuban history.
From left to right: Vermont coach Tom Simon, Kevin Herrington of CAFS, and Cuban baseball great Yosvani Aragon.
Vermont coach Tom Simon (second from left) with the coaching staff of the Cuban team Marianao.
Vermonter Andrew Goodrich (left), with a Cuban player after exchanging jerseys.
Eli Bostwick (left) with a Cuban player after exchanging jerseys.
A gift from Vermont.
Vermont coach Jim Carter with Jesus Gutierrez of the Cuban Baseball Federation.
A row of colorful classic cars line the street in the Capital District of Havana.
Coach Tom Simon poses with a statue honoring a fan who attended every game for many years at the Estadio Latinoamericano.
Vermonters Ozzie and Dave Kost pose for a photo inside the Havana Industriales dugout at the Estadio Latinoamericano.
Coach Tom Simon inside the Havana Industriales dugout.
The team poses for a photo in the outfield of the Estadio Latinoamericano, home of the Havana Industriales and the Cuban National Team. The stadium, which seats 55,000, is the largest in the country, and was home to the baseball game which President Barack Obama attended.
The author of this blog poses for a photo in the outfield of the Estadio Latinoamericano, home of the Havana Industriales and the Cuban National Team. The stadium, which seats 55,000, is the largest in the country, and was home to the baseball game which President Barack Obama attended.
The scoreboard at the Estadio Latinoamericano, home of the Havana Industriales and the Cuban National Team. The stadium, which seats 55,000, is the largest in the country, and was home to the baseball game which President Barack Obama attended between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National Team.
The players pose for a photo with a statue honoring a dedicated fan at the Estadio Latinoamericano.
A note painted on a seat declaring a fan’s love for the Havana Industriales (blue heart in English).
Carter Monks alongside his grandfather Jim Carter at the Estadio Latinoamericano.
Ollie Pudvar, alongside his father Tim at the Estadio Latinoamericano.
The author of the blog sitting in the same spot where President Obama was for the historic game between the Cuban National Team and the Tampa Bay Rays in March.
A drawing of Cuban leader Fidel Castro at the Estadio Latinoamericano.
A painting of Cuban leader Fidel Castro playing baseball at the Estadio Latinoamericano.
A sign for the stadium for visited as a surprise.
A billboard outside the Estadio Latinoamericano reading: “The triumph will be the sum of the efforts of all” when translated into English.
A sign for the Havana Industriales at the Estadio Latinoamericano.

After another unique Cuban breakfast, our bus drove off from the Hotel Bella Habana. We thought we were going to see the Museum of the Revolution, but we were in for a surprise. Our guide and translator, Lester, had arranged for us to visit the Estadio Latinoamericano, the stadium where the Orioles and the Rays played the Cuban National Team. It is the largest and nicest stadium in the entire country, and home to the Havana Industriales during the winter. The stadium had been extensively visited for President Obama’s visit last month. We saw the spot where Obama sat during the historic game, and even had the opportunity to walk onto the playing field. It was a great surprise and an incredible experience!

Our bus picked us up at the stadium and brought us to another exciting place–the capital district. We saw the national capital building and the national theatre, all incredible pieces of architecture. Twenty percent of cars in Cuba are classic American cars, yet in this neighborhood, it was close to 100. They were parked all over the place, and every single car driving by was a shiny, colorful classic. The main reason behind our stop was to visit “La Esquina Caliente” or the Hot Corner. This is an area in the central park where men gather to talk and argue about baseball. The people in the park were not too talkative with us at first, but that all changed very quickly once we started to give them baseball cards. Coach Tom Simon had a lot of fun chatting with them about local Cuban teams.

Our next stop was Playa stadium, where we faced our toughest test yet on the baseball diamond. The team we played was Marianao, and they could hit, pitch, and play some excellent baseball. The final score was 15-5, but a fun game nonetheless. We had another visit from a Cuban baseball star. This time it was Yosvani Aragon, a pitcher for the Gallos de Sancti, who played between 1997 and 2007. He is considered one of the greatest pitchers in Cuban baseball history. Centerfielder Ollie Pudvar lead Team Vermont on both offense and defense. Pudvar caught a fly ball and threw a runner out a home for a double play in the 6th inning, and made a highlight-reel diving catch in center. He reached base four times, collecting three solid hits and a base on balls. Ozzie Kost was also a key part of the American’s defense, making a stellar play at third base.

Tate Agnew contributed two solid innings of pitching, and was relieved by Cyrus Perkinson, who closed out the game on the mound for Vermont. Agnew picked up a handful of strikeouts against some of the best sluggers in the region.

Today’s game maybe have been a challenge, but according to Vermont Coach Jim Carter, it was a victory for friendship and the sport of baseball

“The whole experience for everyone involved is just incredible,” Carter said.

Today’s game may have been a high scoring and challenging affair, and as many of you know, the Vermonters are slated to take on the provincial all-star team tomorrow. The coaching staff has decided to mix the teams to ensure a fun and competitive experience. Five Cuban players and five Americans will join the opposing team. It will be a great experience for the kids to play together.

After another day in the books, our trip will be coming to a close before we know it. I can tell you all that it has been the experience of a lifetime, something I know everyday when I see the faces of the kids on the baseball diamond.

Tomorrow we will play our final game at 10:30 AM and then head to experience the beach for the first time. This will be followed by a final dinner.

I would like to thank all my readers for taking the time to take in my writing and experiences in Cuba. My blog has surpassed 16,000 hits! Please continue to share my blog and help spread the word!

 

Day 4: History, Baseball Stars, and Cannons

NOTE: This post has been updated to include the photos I was unable to post originally.
We started off the day heading to the Jose Marti Center to partake in a lecture about the history of Cuban baseball. Our teacher was a well-known broadcast journalist, who reports on baseball games for the national sports channel. He covered the game between the Rays and the National team, and was able to go to Rogers Centre in Toronto for a game. We learned about each of the 16 teams in the Cuban national league, and each of their mascots. To be able to enter the country as Americans, we have academic visas. The lectures we attend at the ceremony are intended to fulfill this requirement.
We boarded the bus ahead of schedule (rare in Cuba), and were able to fit in an extra stop–Lennon Park. This tree lined square is centered around a metal statue of John Lennon sitting on a park bench and wearing a real pair of glasses. There is a person who works there, observing the statue, and making sure nobody takes the glasses. Right as we arrived, a huge crowd of tourists arrived hailing from European countries such as Germany.
The park was only a quick stop before our main destination–Playa stadium, where we would play our third baseball game. I was able to get some fantastic photos and video clips, as the baseball commissioner brought me onto a nearby rooftop to take photos and film (see pictures below for the view). The game was much better, the team has greatly improved. Ollie Pudvar lead the Vermont team’s lineup, slugging an inside the park home run. He started on the mound for the Americans, who held the Cubans to no runs for the first few innings. Besides one rough inning (when Vermont gave up nine runs), it was a close, competitive, and well-played ballgame. I believe the final score was 9-3. While the two teams may have been competitors during the two hour ballgame, at the end they were one. The players of both teams gathered around, mixed up together, holding the flags of both our countries. Americans holding the Cuban flag, and Cubans holding the American flag. It was truly symbolic of the lasting friendship that has been formed over the course of these few days.
During the game, the ballfield received a surprise visit by some of the best ballplayers the country has ever seen. Omar Linares, who we were told is the best player the country has ever produced, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. In addition, the best third baseman in the country was there, along with the starting catcher on the Havana Industriales and the Cuban National Team. Needless to say, many autographs were signed and requested along with many photos.

Following the game we enjoyed another delicious dinner at La Lucita with the opposing team. The dinner was followed by a trip to a historic 17th century Spanish fort, where we experienced a cannon firing ceremony. What a day of adventure we had today! I hope you all come back to see what we experience tomorrow.

 

A monument for the USS Maine on the Havana waterfront.
The teams crowds around Carter Monks to sign his cast after he injured his knee during Tuesday’s game.
The stands were packed to see a youth baseball team from the United States take on a local Cuban team for the first time.
The families of both teams and countries pose for a photo after the game.
Frank Camilo Moregon, the starting catcher for the Havana Industriales and the Cuban National Team, poses with the Vermont team.
The team inside the fort where we watched a cannon firing ceremony.
The team looks at the city skyline from the wall of a 17th century Spanish fort.
Ozzie Kost (Right), wears his new jersey from the Cerro baseball team, given to him by his Cuban counterpart.
Pre-game batting practice.
Nolan Simon signs the cast of his teammate Carter Monks, who injured his knee in Tuesday’s game.
A soldier inside a 17th century Spanish fort, where we watched a cannon firing ceremony.
New friends after a delicious post-game meal.
Our translator, Lester Bolla, with Vermont player Carter Monks.
A historic mansion across from Havana’s Lennon Park.
A street inside Havana’s 17th century Spanish fort, where we watched a cannon firing ceremony.
The writer of this blog alongside a statue of John Lennon, in Havana’s Lennon Park.
A crumbling piece of historic architecture across the street from Havana’s Lennon Park.
Jim Court of the Cuban American Friendship Society, hands out baseball cards prior to the game with Cerro.
Saying goodbye to the Cuban team after dinner at La Lucita Restaurant.
Celebrating a home run hit by Ollie Pudvar (#37).
The view of Playa stadium from a nearby rooftop.
A Cerro player holds up a handful of new baseball cards given to him by the Vermonters.
Up to bat against some ace Cuban pitching.
The players and coaches pose for a post-game photo with the flags of our two nations and the state of Vermont.,
A streetlamp lighting the way inside the historic fort for a cannon firing ceremony.
Saying goodbye to a new friend from the Cerro team.
Vermont parent Wendy Agnew blows bubbles for a group of Cuban kids near the stadium.
Vermont Coach Tom Simon teaches Evian Guerra, a prominent Cuban journalist, how to play dice baseball, a game Simon created.
Saying goodbye to a new Cuban friend.
Saying goodbye after a post-game dinner.
A beautiful home in a Havana neighborhood.
The Federation Nacional de Beisbol (National Baseball Federation of Cuba) brought me up on a nearby rooftop to get a great angle while filming.
From left to right: Omar Linares, a Cuban baseball great and former third baseman for Pinar del Rio, Vermont coach Tom Simon, Oscar Tabares, Centerfielder for the Havana Industriales and Jorge Luis Timoneda, Program Organizer at the Jose Marti Center.
Team Vermont parent Ben Rinehart gets a ball signed by starting Cuban National Team and Havana Industriales catcher Frank Camilo Moregon. Moregon threw the ceremonial first pitch in the game against Cerro.
A Cuban player from the Cerro team makes contact during the game.
The two team enjoyed a dinner consisting of typical Cuban rice, vegetables, fish, pork, and chicken.
Vermont Coach Tom Simon teaches the coach of the Cerro team how to play dice baseball, a game played with cards and dice that Simon invented.
Tim Pudvar, a happy parent, claps after his son hit a home run against Cerro, a Cuban team.
A Cerro pitcher dominating on the mound.
Playa stadium, the site where the Vermonters play all their games this week.
Taking some pre-game batting practice before the game against Cerro.
A classic car outside of Lennon Park.
A monument for the USS Maine on the Havana waterfront.
The Vermont team poses with a statue of John Lennon in Havana’s Lennon Park.
Evian Guerra, a well-known Cuban sports broadcast journalists, presents a lecture on Cuban baseball history to the Vermont team at the Jose Marti Center.
The Federation Nacional de Beisbol (National Baseball Federation of Cuba) brought me up on a nearby rooftop to get a great angle while filming.
The Cerro team prepares for their game against Vermont.
A horse and buggy inside Havana’s 17th century Spanish fort, where we watched a cannon firing ceremony.
A Cuban player reaches for a high fastball.
From Left to Right: Tate, Eli, and Dave Bostwick enjoy breakfast at the Bella Habana Hotel.