Cristobal Cuevas - A Baseball Story

[illeracula]

Article in Milford Chronical, Sports section...

MILFORD, Mar 30 - The rumor that many of us have been hearing has been comfirmed. Cristobal Cuevas will not be on the Milford JetHawks roster on opening day. I, like many of you, were hoping to see Cuevas make the team. The team that did nothing but disapoint us last year, had a chance, in my opinion, to gain some favor. So Cristobal will be heading down to AAA to begin the season. I was lucky enough to get a comment out of Cristobal Cuevas, as he was heading onto the bus to Dewey, he was'nt very talkative, and didn't seem very happy, but he did say to me "We will see you soon." For the Jethawks sake I really hope so. Calls to the GM Anthony Wayne went unanswered.

[illeracula]

As the GM of the Milford JetHawks I am here to address any questions you may have. I know many of you are questioning my move of sending Cristobal down to AAA, but we have thought long and hard about our decision and believe this is best. He will have time to season and get accustomed to our cultures and our game.

We are going to break camp with 11 pitchers, 5 outfields and 8 infielders. Taking 11 pitchers limited who we took a long with us as well, but we feel with the way our pitching was last year its better to have too much than not enough.

Our current outfield is going to be Johnnie Shipton in CF, Santo Batista in RF and Robert Parrish in LF. We beleive with the springs they had and their experience from last year we are taking a step in the right direction. Bill Schneider a RF will be our starting DH and Leo Alvarez will be outfield replacment. Having a starting 3, helped our decision to send Cuevas to AAA. We want him to swing the bat and play the game, and we felt like he wasn't going to play enough here.

Hopefully the explination make sense to you all. If not show up tomorrow and watch us play, hopefully that will solve any controversy. Thank you for coming, and we will see you on the field.

-----------------------------------
The decision came down between Cristobal and the following 2 guys. Robert and Bill both showed promise during time last season, so we felt it was their job to lose. In the meantime Cristobal will be in AAA.

Robert Parrish, 25yrs 2.5 - 39/37/19/32/53
2000 Stats: 38 G 29-123 .236 2 2b, 2 3b, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 12 R

Bill Schneider, 26yrs 5.0 - 49/35/34/88/36
2000 Stats: 47 G 36-152 .237 4 2b, 0 3b, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 17 R

[illeracula]

MILFORD APR 3 - One can only imagine what the Manger of the JetHawks is thinking. Last year they opened up with 3 straight losses to their prime foe the New Orleans Crawdads and this year is just the same. The JetHawks only scoring 1 run in the first 2 games, and 8 for the 3, weren't able to get anything going as they were out-classed by the Defending Conference Champion.

I can only think of what could of happend if a young up-and-coming star from Cuba was in the lineup. I personally think they would of scored more than 1 run in the 1st two games! I have been paying attention to Cuevas and he is better right now than anyone else on that team. Anthony Wayne gets paid the big bucks to make the personnel moves, but I for one and still wondering why he is back after last years 109 losses. I think I will begin counting down the days till I see Cuevas up in a JetHawks uniform.

[illeracula]

MIAMI APR 6 - The first win of the JetHawks season come today, but not with a loss. Rookie third basemen George Luedtke went down after being hit in the head with a 91 mph heater. He was diagnosed with a concussion and will miss at least 2 weeks.

GM Anthony Wayne had to say this about the injury. "It had to be one of the worse sounds I have ever heard at a baseball game. I am so glad nothing was broken, but with these hit-by-pitch injuries you never know what the side effects are going to be in the long run. We are going to put George (Luedtke) on the 15-day DL and he will be our starting third-bagger when he returns. In the meantime, short-stop Jason Ball will be moved to 3rd and the young (19 year old) Bill Green will be brought up to play short.", he continued, "I am wishing George the best and we hope to see him at the park very soon."

[illeracula]

Welcome to Fastball with your host Gil Hicks...
Hey hey, Gil Hicks here reporting on your favorite team, the Milford JetHawks!

In the news for the JetHawks, they activated George Luedtke from the 15-day Disabled List. To make room for Luedtke the JetHawks have designated Robert Parrish for assignment. By sending Robert Parrish down to AAA and activating George Luedtke, that leaves only 4 out-fielders on the active roster. I think it would be time to bring up Cristobal Cuevas from AAA and let him get some playing time with the parent team.

This most recent transactions have us scratching our head, so we have sent Mel Yearicks out to meet with GM/Manager of the JetHawks Anthony Wayne.

MY = Mel Yearicks field reporter for Fastball the JetHawks #1 news source.
AW = Anthony Wayne, the GM and Manager of the Milford Jethawks

MY: First off, how is George doing and do you see anything residual effects from the injury?
AW: George is doing really well. He has been swinging the bat well during batting practice and he hasn't been to "gun shy". So I think he will be alright, because we need his bat back in our lineup.

MY: Sending Parrish downs leaves you with 4 outfielders. Don't you think its time to bring up Cristobal?
AW: Not yet. Cristobal is only hitting around .260 in AAA, so we aren't sure if he is ready to come up just yet. Bill Green has been hitting the ball well lately, and with him at Short and George back at 3rd it free's up Jason (Ball) to fill-in in the outfield. Not to mention the way Leo (Alvarez) has been hitting the ball this first month! Hopefully he can stay hot.

MY: Do you think it is fair to Jason to ask him to keep changing posistions?
AW: Yes. We talked about this at the beginning of the year and one of the reasons we resigned him was because of his desire to be a utility man. When Greeny wasn't ready to on opening day, we gave the SS posistion to Jason.

MY: You have won more games already this month than you did all of last April, but are still only 9-12. What should we expect from your team this season?
AW: Well, I have said this from the start, we aren't going to be contenders this season, but we are taking steps in the right direction. Our goal this season is to finish out of last place. Being 9-12 doesn't sound great, but we are heading in the right direction.

MY: What do you have to say to people like me, and many of your fans, that want you to win now?
AW: Its coming. Maybe not this season, but don't be suprised if it happens as quick as next. Just be patient and we will be on top soon!

MY: Last question. I have seen Cristobal Cuevas play in AAA and he is one fun player to watch. He swings the bat, he rans, he can field, he really just does it all. How do you see him fitting in with Johnnie, Robert, Bill, Leo and Santo?
AW: Thats a good question. Johnnie is our CF of the future. He is more comfortable in RF, but that is wher Cristobal is going to be in the near future. Once we drafted Cristobal and Riley (Bayne) retired we decided that Johnnie is a good enough athelete to play center. So we called Johnnie and he was up for the move. Bill (Schneider) is better off as a spot starter, DH, and we have been working with him at 1B, 3B and C, where his foot-speed suits him better. So what it really comes down to is Robert, Santo and Cristobal to cover the corner out-field posistions. Outfield isn't going to be a problem for us in the future.
MY: What about Leo, you didn't mention him?
AW: Well we like Leo. He is in the last year of his contract, so we really don't know what the future will hold. He is a solid defense replacement and pinch-hitter, and if he gets hot, as he is now, he will get his at-bats.

MY: Thanks for the time.
AW: No problem. I look forward to the next time.

[illeracula]

DEWEY BEACH, APR 22 - The Coast Press is reporting that Cristobal Cuevas was removed from tonights game in the 3rd inning. Cuevas, the number 1 pick in the draft, was running to first base, in attempt to beat a grounder to the 2nd basemen. When he hit first base he pulled a little lame, and was removed for a pinch-runner. His status will be listed as day-to-day.

[illeracula]

DEWEY BEACH, MAY 6 - Cristobal Cuevas, who injured his leg about 2 weeks, will be out for 2 more. The injury came today, when Cuevas hit a soft pop-up to shallow CF. Cuevas was 1/2 to 2nd when he went to the ground in pain. The news from the trainers office, is that Cuevas aggreviated his groin muscle, he hurt 2 weeks prior. In our conversation with the Dewey Greyhounds lead trainer, Jose Pantoja, he said Cuevas will be out for at least 2 weeks.

[illeracula]

Welcome to Fastball with your host Gil Hicks...
Hey hey, Gil Hicks here reporting on your favorite team, the Milford JetHawks.

Ladies and Gentlemen today we have a very special show for you. Mel Yearicks went to Dewey and caught up with Cristobal Cuevas. Cristobal who hasn't played in 4 days and won't be back in the line-up till mid to late May was gracious enough to grant us his first interview as Milford JetHawk. Take it away Mel...

MY: Mel Yearicks field reporter for Fastball the JetHawks #1 news source.
CC: Cristobal Cuevas, the JetHawks #1 Draft pick, currently injured.
GH: Gil Hicks the host of Fastball

MY: Welcome to the show Cristobal.
CC: Thank you. Its nice to be here.

MY: Whats it like sitting on the bench and not being able to play?
CC: Its hard. I didn't leave my home to sit. I want to play.

MY: The rumor has it, thats why you are here in the first place. You didn't want to rest your injured leg after you hurt it the first time.
CC: There might be some truth to that, but I come here to play baseball, and thats what I do. 100% on every play, be it a basehit or a grounder to 2nd.

MY: How do you feel and when do you think we will see you in a Greyhound uniform again?
CC: Well Jose (Pantoja, the lead trainer) tells me that I shouldn't play for 2 weeks. So I am hoping to be back sometime after May 19th. I think I can play now, but its a long season...Pulling a groin is no fun. It makes life very uncomfortable. I am going a little stir crazy.

MY: You have played in 34 game with Dewey this year. Is that enough to be a judge on the differences between our game and the game you are used to?
CC: Truthfully, there aren't many differences. The game in Cuba is played very similair to the US style. We may bunt more, and see more off-speed pitches in fastball counts, but its really the same game. The adjustments I have had to make are more cultural than anything.
MY: Cultural? How do you mean?
CC: Well back home we cooked all our meals. Here, you, eat out all the time. I like home cooked fresh food, which is harder to get here than back home. Too many choices.

MY: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
CC: I see myself in the majors. And having fun.
MY: So will you still be with the JetHawks?
CC: Maybe. Thats not up to me in the end, but if not I wouldn't mind playing for a team with more of a latino following.
MY: Like Milford arch-rivals, the Miami Storm?
CC: Thats a good location for us Cuban's, since so many live there, but there are also teams in Mexico and Puerto Rico...But either way, I am here with the Jethawks. And thats where my heart is.

MY: Are you disappointed you aren't on the Major League club?
CC: Of course! I want to help them win, and I think I can right now.
MY: With that being said, where do you see yourself at the end of this season?
CC: Probably batting 4th for the JetHawks.
MY: Batting clean-up with the big team?
CC: Yes. No questions asked. I am starting to hit the ball like I should be.

MY: One more question, then I will let you go be with your teammates. Has this injury taught you anything?
CC: Yes. It has taught me not to get injured again.
MY: Will it change your approach at all? Will you still run full speed on a easy grounder to 2nd and an easy pop-out to center?
CC: Of course I will run hard. My game won't change at all. I will give 100% on every play. One thing that we are taught growing up, is you give it your all everychance tou can. Because 1) you never know when it will end and you want to be able to say you gave your best and 2) there is no such thing as an easy play in baseball.

MY: Cristobal it has been a pleasure talking with you, and we look forward to seeing you play again...
CC: I look forward to playing again as well. Next time we do this I will, hopefully, be a JetHawk.
MY: There you have it folks. Cristobal Cuevas the future clean-up hitter for the JetHawks.

GH: Mel, let me ask you something...What do you think of Cristobal's attitude? Do you think he is really that good or do you think he has too much confidence in his potential? I mean he is .270 for Dewey.
MY: Gil, I think he has the right to be confident. This guy had a long trip into the country and now he is just getting his swing back. Remember he didn't play organized last season, so the more he plays the better he is going to get.
GH: Well I will take your word for it now, but I want to see him to start to prove himself on the field.
MY: Just be patient, he will.

GH: Thanks for the report Mel, till next time. I am Gil Hicks, signing off.

[illeracula]

MILFORD MAY 14 - In hopes ot bolster their bullpen, the Milford Jethawks made two trades today. The first trade of the day the JetHawks sent 2B Shawn Brock to the Wichita Sky Chiefs in return for 4-Star reliever Michael Hauck. In the 2nd trade of the the JetHawks sent SP Lee McCaskill and backup catcher Mark Conti to the Mesa Arrows for RP Ramon Martin. After this trade the JetHawks brought up AAA Catcher J. Boaz to replace Conti on the Roster.

The trades not only bolster thier bullpen, but elminate some wasted salary from Lee McCaskill and Mark Conti. We will see what happens next, since these trades left the JetHawks with 13 pitchers on their roster.

[illeracula]

MILFORD MAY 15th - Transactions: The Milford JetHawks have placed starting pitcher Bruce Pierce on irrovocable waivers in efforts to reassign him to the AAA Dewey Greyhounds.

[illeracula]

Welcome to Fastball with your host Gil Hicks...

Gil Hicks here and I am lucky enough to have Cristobal Cuevas in my studio today. Over the last 2 days the JetHawks have made some roster moves that will free up a spot for fielder, and our best guess is that Cuevas will be on his way up to Milford very shortly...

GH: Welcome to the show Cristobal.
CC: Thank you. Its nice to be back. I enjoy sharing my story and my life with the fans.

GH: Well you have heard the rumors. Are they true? Are you on your way up to milford?
CC: I really don't know. Nothing has been confirmed and a lot can happne over the next few days.

GH: Eventhough you haven't been healthy for a month and haven't played in a game in 2 weeks, do you think you are ready?
CC: I was ready when I stepped off the boat, literally. I never have doubted my abilities and I am ready to realize my dream.

GH: You are only hitting .272 in AAA right now. Acutally lets go over your stats. 34 games, all in RF, 25 hits in 95 at-bats, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 15 runs-batted in and 10 RBI. And the one that stat that catches my eye are the 18 K's vs. 14 walks. How do you think these stats will translate as you move up the ladder?
CC: My stats will only improve. I am getting better and better each day.
GH: So against tougher competition, your stats are only going to get better?
CC: Yes. No doubt in my mind. The challenge will drive me.

GH: I recently was able to obtain your scouting chart from May 12th, and from what the scouts are saying, they do agree with you. How do you see yourself fitting in?
CC: Right now in Milford Santo (Batista) is in right and he is 22, in CF they have Johnnie (Shipton) who is only 19. So if, or better yet, when I come in, they will have 22 year old in RF...So are youth will only bring us together. We had fun in Spring Training, we built a bond, one that should keep this outfield together and strong for time to come.

GH: Lets go over this report I have and compare it to the report generated on draft day. Contact 51, Gap 56, Power 61, Eye 40 and Avoid K's 45, and now they go Contact 62 up 11, Gap 67 up 11, Power 74 up 13, Eye 41 up 1 and Avoiding K's 52 up 7. That to me is very impressive.
CC: Gracias.
GH: With these ratings, compare to the rest of the team, you would be the most feared weapon, assuming ratings mean everything.
CC: Well, thats my goal. I want the pitcher to fear me. I want the coach to fear me.

GH: Since all signs are pointing to your call-up, I am going to wish you good luck and we will see you in Milford.
CC: Good thing I don't believe in luck. I will be up soon and we will be winning games once again!
GH: Winning games, won't that be nice...
CC: Yes it will. I have never played on a losing team, and will do my best to continue that.

GH: Good luck and thank you for joining us once again.
CC: Anytime. I look forward to seeing you again, very soon.

GH: I am Gil Hicks signing off. Till next time folks...

[illeracula]

MILFORD MAY 18th - In the most anticipated move the season, the Milford JetHawks have annouced today that Bruce Pierce has cleared waivers and will be heading down to AAA Dewey. To replace Pierce on the active roster will be the 22 year-old, first round pick, rightfielder Cristobal Cuevas. Cuevas still listed as day-to-day, probably won't see any full-time action till at least May 20th, but will be traveling with the team and will be available for use as a pinch-hitter.

[illeracula]

Former Cuban star makes jump from Cuban Refuge to the big leagues in less than 2 months.

May 20, 2001

Milford, DE - Former Cuban National baseball star rightfielder Cristobal Cuevas is expected to make his major league debut tonight when the Milford Jethawks face the Bella Coona Trappers at Perdue Stadium in Milford at 7:35 p.m. The game will be televised by ESPN2.

Cuevas, 22, was the Jethawks first-round pick (First selection overall) in January's First-Year Player Draft. Cristobal joins the Jethawks after hitting .268 (45-for-120) with 3 home runs and 27 RBI in his first professional season at Class AAA Dewey.

"He has been very impressive by the way he plays the game," general manager Anthony Wayne said in a story posted on the Jethawks' website. "Defensively, he makes plays you don't even think a rightfielder makes. He moves runners, he is always scoring a run and driving in a run. No matter how much he plays, the experience he is about to get here will be invaluable."

The Jethawks are currently 20-25 overall, tied with the Rome Braves of Georgia for last place in the Dixie Division.

[illeracula]

Cristobal Cuevas appeard in his first big league game tonight for the Milford JetHawks. Cuevas batting fourth and playing LF looked over joyed to be back on the field for a top-level team.

In his first at-bat Cristobal, hit a weak grounder to 2nd, you could see how excited and anxious he was. In his second at bat, in the 3rd inning, against Ramiro Nattes, he hit a 2-1 fastball into rightfield for a single and his first career hit. In his third about Cristobal went down swinging and the forth at-bat was high fly-out to right center. Cuevas ended the night 1-4, he scored a run, struck out once and was probably the happiest man in the stadium.

BCT 1-6-0
MIL 5-10-1
W - T. Sauceda( 6-3)
L - R. Nattes (3-4)

[illeracula]

After batting 4th and going 1-4 in his first major league game, Cristobal was dropped to 7th in the batting order for is 2nd major league game. Up against his first lefy starter, Cristobal was moved down in the lineup, but still performed just as well. Including a 2-run single in the first inning with 2 out. The JetHawks jumped out early and were able to win their second in a row.

MIL 7-10-1
MON 3-6-3
W - S. Saradina (3-2)
L - G. Palmer (4-2)
S - J. Atlas (5)

Cristobal Cuevas:
Day 1-4, 2 RBI
Season: 2-4 .250, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 K

[illeracula]

The second game ended up just as the first one, but this game was a little tougher. The JetHawks battled back to take the lead in the 6th and never gave it up. Cristobal Cuevas had another good game going 2-4 with 3 RBI, including his 1st HR! A 361 foot shot in the top of the ninth off of Montreal reliever Martin Gillespie. He also added a 2-run double in the momentum switching 6th inning.

MIL 7-10-2
MON 3-8-0
W - F. Fradrea (4-2)
L - C. Barbosa (0-2)
S - L. Felix (2)

Cristobal Cuevas:
Day: 2-4, 2B, HR, 1 R, 3 RBI, BB
Season: 4-12 .333, 1 2b, 1 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K

[illeracula]

Up against one of the toughest pitchers in the GBF Cristobal Cuevas wasn't able to get anything going. Suffering his first 0-fer of the season. Four at-bats and nothing to show for it...

MIL 3-7-1
MON 8-11-0
W - P.Tichenor (5-4)
L - W. Smith (1-9)

Cristobal Cueavs
Day: 0-4
Season: 4-16 .250, 1 2b, 1 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K

[illeracula]

MAY 25: Following a off-day, Cristobal Cuevas was giving the day off. The JetHawks rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th when they called on Cuevas as a pinch hitter. Up 3-2 with 2 runners on Cuevas pinch hit for Bill Schnieder. Facing righthander Losoya Cuevas went down swinging ending the rally and the inning. The JetHawks ended up losing 4-3.

STA 4-7-1
MIL 3-9-0
W - T. Losoya (6-0)
L - T. Rodriquez (0-1)
S - D. Parker (6)

Cristobal Cuevas
Day: 0-1 1 K
Season: 4-17 .235, 1 2b, 1 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K

MAY 26: Another game the JetHawks should of won...Cristobal Cuevas was on the bench to the start the game once again, and he did not get into the game at all. After 6 the JetHawks were up 6-5, but thanks to a 3-run 7th for the Dragon's they went down again.

STA 8-10-0
MIL 6-14-1
W - M. Kohler (1-0)
L - D. Alvarez (0-2)
S - D. Parker (7)

Cristobal Cuevas
Day: DNP
Season: 4-17 .235, 1 2b, 1 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K

MAY 27: After sitting out for 2 starts, Cristobal was back in the lineup. Batting in the 3 hole for the first time this season. Cristobal got things started right, knocking in 2 and scoring in the first, helping the JetHawks jump out to a big lead. Cuevas also singled in the 8th and scored on Kent Cohen's grand slaw, as the JetHawks beat-up on St. Anthony pitching for the Victory.

STA 1-4-2
MIL 14-17-1
W - F. Fradera (5-2)
L - S. Humphrey (3-6)

Cristobal Cuevas
Day: 2-5 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 K
Season: 6-22 .273, 1 2b, 1 HR, 4 R, 7 RBI, 1 BB, 4 K

[illeracula]

Hello, I am Storm Maxwell and today on Real-life we will be talking with Cristobal Cuevas and his path to the Global Baseball Federation. Cristobal was born in the fifth largest city on Cuba, Santa Clara. Santa Clara is a town of 250,000

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Cuba, lets give you a quick synopsis of the island. Cuba is the the largest island of the West Indies group (equal in area to Pennsylvania), and has an estimated population of 11 million. It is also the westernmost island in the West Indies—just west of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and 90 mi (145 km) south of Key West, Fla., at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. The island is mountainous in the southeast and south-central area (Sierra Maestra). It is flat or rolling elsewhere. Cuba also includes numerous smaller islands, islets, and cays.

In 1956, Fidel Castro Ruz launched a revolution from his camp in the Sierra Maestra mountains. Castro's brother Raul and Ernesto (Ché) Guevara, an Argentine physician, were his top lieutenants. Many anti-Batista landowners supported the rebels. The U.S. ended military aid to Cuba in 1958, and on New Year's Day 1959, Batista fled into exile and Castro took over the government.

The U.S. initially welcomed what looked like a democratic Cuba, but a rude awakening came within a few months when Castro established military tribunals for political opponents and jailed hundreds. Castro disavowed Cuba's 1952 military pact with the U.S., confiscated U.S. assets, and established Soviet-style collective farms. The U.S. broke relations with Cuba on Jan. 3, 1961, and Castro formalized his alliance with the Soviet Union. Thousands of Cubans fled the country.

In 1961 a U.S.-backed group of Cuban exiles invaded Cuba. Planned during the Eisenhower administration, the invasion was given the go-ahead by President John Kennedy, although he refused to give U.S. air support. The landing at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, 1961, was a fiasco. The invaders did not receive popular Cuban support and were easily repulsed by the Cuban military.

Russian aid, which had long supported Cuba's failing economy, ended when Communism collapsed in eastern Europe in 1990. Cuba's foreign trade also plummeted, producing a severe economic crisis. In 1993, Castro permitted limited private enterprise, allowed Cubans to possess convertible currencies, and encouraged foreign investment in its tourist industry. In March 1996, the U.S. tightened its embargo with the Helms-Burton Act.

Today Cuba is laid-back communist island. They have a lot of government control. About 120,000 people on Cuba have computers with internet access. All of which has to be approved by the government. With its close proximity to the US many Cubans dream of a different kind of life and try to escape Cuba for greener pastures in the US.

With us today is Cristobal Cuevas, one of those Cubans who successfully escaped Cuba for greener pastures. Cristobal, thank you for coming on our show.

CC: Its nice to be here and to be able to tell the story of my life.

Are you happy with your decision on leaving Cuba? Was it easier or harder than you thought?

CC: Am I happy? Yes and no. I am happy to be playing ball again. Baseball is my dream. But its hard to give up your life and your family back home. Hopefully they will be able to come and be with me. If they don't I may never see them again.

Will you not be allowed back on the Island?

CC: I could go back, but would have to face punishment. Once you decide to run, you can't look back.

Lets get back to your trip off the Island. How did that work?

CC: The driver of the boat is a friend. I was trying to convice my family to come with me, but we our government so much they didn't want to take the chance. We left heading for Florida, but with no lights on the boat we got lost and ended up in the Bahahams. We were truly lucky to make it.

The rumor has it that you wouldn't accept your visa unless the 5 other people on the tug boat were granted theirs as well. Why?

CC: We are all in it together. It would not be fair for me to leave them behind. Turn my backs on them. I wouldn't want them to do that to me. We are all family.

What has the biggest difference been being in the United States?

CC: I don't know how to explain it, but to see more freedom. I can workout when I want to, watch TV, read magazines. In Cuba the press is government regulated, so we can only hear what they want us to hear. Here we have so many options. I am now just learning how to use a computer. But not to take anything away from Cuba. Its a wonderful beautiful country.

Would you go back if you could?

CC: I would only go back if I wouldn't have to give up my life here. I am enjoying it here. The JetHawks have been great to me so far as has the GBF.

Lets go back to your escape. How did this come about?

CC: A while back me and a close friend were talking about playing baseball all over the world. Being upbeat about this and talking about it like it was really going to happen. We were banned from playing baseball.

Just like that?

CC: Yes. No more baseball. I haven't played baseball in a long time, and this is my life...our escape was planned over a 3 month period. We were very lucky not to get caught. The night we planned to run it was raining hard and we knew this was our only chance. My friend, Fernando, who drove the tug-boat took the biggest risk of us all. He had to take the keys of the Tug-boat home with him, and that is almost unheard of. Ecspecially in our environment.

So if he got caught that night you wouldn't of made it?

CC: Correct. I would still be working in the Sugar fields...Once we knew Fernando had the keys all we had to do was get on the boat and get it out of the dock without being seen. Yorba got us into the port and then Yorba and I had to try to push the boat out of the dock. Because we knew once the boat started-up sirens would of sounded. It was tough, but we pushed the boat out. Once we were off the shore enough, Fernando started the boat in low and we moved.

What time did you guys get on the boat?

CC: I am not 100% sure, but it was probably close to 1 am. It was raining and dark, and there was just so much going on. It was one of the most stressful times in my life.

Do you still keep in touch with the other refugess?

CC: Well, my translator Fernando, is the one that drove the tug-boat, and the other guys are all in the Miami area, so no not really. I didn't know them, they were friends of friends.

Now that you are up with the JetHawks do you look back at this experience and has this made you better?

CC: Yes. I think about it my life in Cuba a lot, and that always goes back to that night. The night I chose to leave my family and friends to play baseball. But I know I have lived through that experience, so I am pretty sure I can make it through anything.

Cristobal thank you so much for coming on our show and talking a bit about your experiences. Its truly an amazing story and we will all be watching you as your career progresses.

[illeracula]

The Jethawks visited their arch-enemy for a four game series from May 29th to June 1st. Cristobal Cuevas coming off a disappointing week, tries to get coach to play him more! "put me in coach, I wanna play, today..."

May 29th:
The JetHawks go down in a barnburner. Losing to New Orleans on a 2-run homerun in the bottom of the 11th. Only able to must out 1 run on 5 hits, the JetHawks lose a heartbreaker.

MIL 1-5-0
NOC 3-9-0
W - J. Echegaray (1-1)
L - A. Tyler (3-3)

Cristobal Cuevas
Day: 0-2 2 BB, 1 K
Season: 6-24 .250, 1 2b, 1 HR, 4 R, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K

May 30th:
The JetHawks got things going early with a 5-run first inning, which included a 3-run homerun by Johnnie Shipton. With a tough leftie getting the start for the Crawdads Cuevas was on the bench to start the game. In the top of the 9th he came in as a pinch hitter and drew a walk. He finished out the game in left-field.

MIL 7-12-1
NOC 3-13-0
W - W. Smith (2-9)
L - K. Senichi (4-6)
S - D. Alvarez (7)

Cristobal Cuevas
Day: 0-0 BB
Season: 6-24 .250, 1 2b, 1 HR, 4 R, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K

May 31st:
The JetHawks were able to jump out ahead early again, and thanks to Cristobal Cuevas 2-run single in the 6th, they were able to hold off a late charge by the Crawdads.

MIL 5-8-0
NOC 2-9-0
W - B. Partida (5-3)
L - A. Sanner (5-3)
S - D. Alvarez (8)

Cristobal Cuevas
Day: 2-3 R, 2 RBI
Season: 8-27 .296, 1 2b, 1 HR, 5 R, 9 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K

June 1st:
With a chance to win their 1st ever series from the Crawdads, the JetHawks feel short. Going up against one of the top pitchers in the game Paul Lis, the JetHawks were unable to get anything going. With 2-outs in the 5th Cuevas followed a walk to Kent Cohen with a run-scoring double and the only JetHawk highlight.

MIL 2-6-1
NOC 7-14-0
W - P. Lis (8-3)
L - T. Sauceda (6-4)

Cristobal Cuevas
Day: 2-3 2B, RBI
Season: 10-30 .333, 2 2b, 1 HR, 5 R, 10 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K

The JetHawks finished May with a record of 26-30, and are currently 26-31 just 1 game ahead of the Rome Braves in the fight to stay out of last place in the Dixie division.