From Cuba with love: Young baseball players warm Pasadena hearts, score a spa day

They seem to have stolen more than just bases. A team of young female baseball players from Cuba also spent 12 days in Pasadena stealing hearts. 

The group arrived to the west coast as part of the Canada-Cuba Goodwill Tour — and the visit sure lived up to its name.

Fourteen players, ages 14 to 20, played against local teams and in a provincial minor tournament in nearby Corner Brook. The Cubans were accompanied by three translators and stayed with families in Pasadena.

The visit comes after players from Pasadena visited Cuba last summer, and wanted to return the favour. Volunteers raised nearly $20,000 to make it happen.  

Surprise spa day

The town, church organizers, community groups and volunteers all kept the Cuban visitors moving with lots of fun activities — including an unexpected spa surprise. 

On Friday, Serenity Esthetique owner Michelle Martin, whose daughter plays minor baseball in Pasadena, closed her business to the public to treat the young Cuban players to a day of having their hair and nails done for free. She and staff volunteered their time.

Sarah Ramos, a translator travelling with the team, helped staff speak to players about blonde, pink and purple hair colours.

"It's amazing, they have treated us so well," Ramos said of the people of Pasadena. 

"We appreciate all they are doing for us. The girls are having the time of their lives [and] they were really excited from the moment they learned they were coming here to the salon."

Ramos said the Newfoundland spa offers players a chance to get "things done here they might not be able to get back at home."

Sitting in the stylist's chair and speaking through a translator, Cuban player Tania Santos-Molina said she especially enjoyed visiting the Newfoundland Insectarium in Reidville.

"We want to thank everyone in Pasadena for the way they have treated us, especially the girls in the salon. They have been very kind to us and we really appreciate what they are doing for us," she said.

'They would give you their heart'

Yvonne Stone, a parent of Pasadena player Claire Butt, said the Cuban team has more obstacles to overcome back home than just limited spa services. 

Stone and her daughter visited the Cuban school where many of the players attend — twice. She said the building is far from luxurious. 

"The place is — what can I say? It's falling down, but they keep it up with spirit and contentment. They paint pictures on the wall, they have a garden outside where they plant flowers and vegetables," she said. 

Fitting considering the name of the school, Marvillas De La Infancia Cultivador De Suenos Comunidad, roughly translates to Wonders of Childhood, Growers of Dreams in English. 

Despite modest surroundings, Stone said the Cuban players "make do with what they have. They are so happy and giving, and they would give you their heart."  

Canada Day — Cuban style

The Cuban players aren't considered elite athletes — they're mainly average players. The school, which also teaches cultural subjects and skills, only began its baseball program this past spring, as a way to integrate the girls into the wider community in Cuba.

On the west coast, Stone said the young visitors will likely be remembered as much for their dancing as for their footwork on the ball field.

"Everywhere they go, they love to [show off their dance moves]," Stone explained. 

On Canada Day, the players brought local teams out onto the field following a game for a dance, complete with Cuban music. Even some of the parents joined in.

When asked what the last 12 days have been like, Stone's voice caught in her throat and she began to cry.

"It's been amazing," she said. 

"It's been everything I dreamed that it could be for them, and I just hope we can give back to them the way they gave to us. Just seeing the smiles on their faces and the hugs and the kisses — and everyone in the community is coming out to see what they are doing."