When a controversial anti-Fidel Castro crowd sign drew the ire of Cuban baseball players in the World Baseball Classic

During the 2006 World Baseball Classic, a controversial anti-Fidel Castro sign ignited tensions and drew protests from team Cuba.

In Cuba, it seems that Fidel Castro's admirers saw him as a socialist leader whose revolutionary government promoted economic and social justice while protecting Cuba's independence from American power. Nonetheless, his rule is viewed as a harsh repression of free speech in western society.

So, when a controversial anti-Fidel Castro crowd sign was spotted behind home plate during Cuba's 11-2 win over the Netherlands in the 2006 WBC, it drew the ire of Team Cuba. So much so that Team Cuba did not participate in the post-game news conference.

"Down with Fidel," read the anti-Fidel Castro sign in Spanish.

"March 10, 2006: Cuba goes to the finals in the World Baseball Classic." - Susan Dut

In the 2006 World Baseball Classic, Cuba defeated the Dominican Republic to reach the finals. In the end, Team Japan defeated Cuba 10–6 to be crowned the champion.

Team Cuba pledged to provide 2006 World Baseball Classic money for Hurricane Katrina relief

Eduardo Paret (2) of Team Cuba is caught stealing by infielder Miguel Tejada (10) of Team Dominican Republic during the Semi Final game of the World Baseball Classic at Petco Park on March 18, 2006, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The United States Treasury Department rejected MLB's initial request for special permission enabling Cuba to participate in the 2006 WBC, several months before the event. MLB representatives reapplied for the license with the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department. Thereafter, Cuba announced it would contribute any revenue to victims of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the US in August 2005.

"Right after Katrina made landfall, Cuba was the first country to offer aid and pledged to send 1,586 doctors and 26 tons of medicine. Cuba also offered to donate money raised from their WBC to ensure the US embargo was not violated." - Chris Dier

After six long years, WBC 2023 is here. Yesterday, the first game of the 2023 WBC took place in Taiwan where the Netherlands defeated Cuba 4-2.