Carlos Tabares, former star center fielder for Industriales and the Cuban national team, has addressed criticism from Miami regarding his acceptance of a watering can from Gerardo Hernández Nordelo—the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) and one of the so-called "Cuban Five"—as a token of acknowledgment for his involvement in the agricultural campaign #CultivaTuPedacito.
In a video where Tabares defends himself against his detractors, posted by journalist Yasel Porto on his Facebook page, Dporto Sports MEDIA, and viewed over 54,000 times, the ex-player calmly explained his stance.
Tabares encapsulated his viewpoint with a simple phrase: "The past is behind us; it has no bearing on what we have today." The video has sparked considerable debate within the Cuban exile community.
The Controversy Rooted in a 2025 Event
The controversy stems from a 2025 event when Hernández Nordelo presented Tabares with the watering can as a symbolic gesture of recognition. This act was perceived by some in the exile community as a sign of allegiance to the Cuban regime, contrasting with his quiet relocation to Miami.
"I've been living here in Miami for almost five years, and some people still don't know it," Tabares admitted in the video.
A Dual Narrative: Loyalty and Change
Critics point to an apparent contradiction: during his active career, Tabares turned down lucrative offers from Major League Baseball teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs, citing loyalty to the Cuban Revolution. He became emblematic of the "loyal player" image promoted by the regime for decades.
His move to the United States, which occurred around 2021 without any public announcement, provoked surprise and accusations of hypocrisy. On social media, some labeled him as a "prime example of the double standards learned in Cuba and applied in Miami."
Living Unbothered in Miami
Tabares, however, remains unfazed by the criticism. "I don't care what people say about me, neither online nor anywhere else. I live my life happily in Miami, go everywhere, and have never had a problem with anyone," he asserted. He further emphasized that silence is his best response: "What bothers those people the most is my silence. It will never affect me. On the contrary, it strengthens me."
Currently, Tabares works as a financial agent in Miami, teaches baseball, and plays in popular softball leagues on weekends alongside other former Cuban players like Dalier Hinojosa, Alexei Ramírez, and Yaibel Tamayo.
A Storied Career and a New Chapter
Tabares enjoyed a stellar career: he played 25 National Series with Industriales, averaged .306 with 795 RBIs, secured an Olympic gold medal in Athens 2004, and won silver in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He retired on January 11, 2018, at Havana's Latinoamericano Stadium before approximately 50,000 fans.
"I'm going to walk around Miami, enjoy the places, play softball, which I love. I'll continue teaching and helping people whenever I can," Tabares concluded, making it clear he has no intention of leaving his new life in exile.
Understanding Carlos Tabares' Situation
Why did Carlos Tabares receive criticism in Miami?
Tabares faced criticism for accepting a symbolic watering can from Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, a figure associated with the Cuban regime, which some viewed as a sign of allegiance.
How has Tabares responded to allegations of hypocrisy?
Tabares has responded by emphasizing that he lives a happy life in Miami and that the past does not affect his current situation. He remains unfazed by the criticism and chooses silence as his response.
What is Tabares' current occupation in Miami?
Tabares works as a financial agent, teaches baseball, and participates in local softball leagues alongside other former Cuban players.