Rays prospect reunites with family in Cuba after three years

There’s no place like home.

As part of the contingent sent by the Tampa Bay Rays to Cuba to play the national team on Tuesday, prospect Dayron Varona returned home for the first time since defecting with his mother three years ago.

The outfielder reunited with his young niece, sister and other family members in the hotel lobby when he arrived on Sunday.

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Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Dayron Varona hugs his niece Melissa Cabrera as he sees members of his family living in Havana for the first time in three years.

“I still can’t believe it,” Varona told USA Today through a translator.

“Since I left, I haven’t heard that joy that Cuban people have.”

Varona, who hasn’t played above Double-A was brought on the trip partly at the urging of teammates Chris Archer and Evan Longoria.

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The Cuban outfielder was greeted by members of his family when he arrived at the team hotel in Havana.

“Cuban fans are all the same. They’re very demanding,” Varona said.

“They want you to do everything perfectly all the time. That’s their role. They cheer for you when you do well, and they’re hard on you when you don’t.”

Before defecting, Varona played for seven years with Saerie Ncional and a year on the national team.

He was signed by the Rays last May.

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Varona said he wasn’t sure he’d ever get to see his relatives again after he defected in 2013.

“I hope to get a heartfelt ovation. I don’t expect that they’ll yell anything bad. I made a personal decision. But whatever response I get, I’ll accept it the best way possible,” Varona told USA Today.

“Being Cuban, I want the best for Cuba.”

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