A general view of the Cuban Fans sitting in the outfield blechers watching the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Cuban National Team at the Estadio LatinoAmericano in Havana, Cuba in 1999. | Getty Obama to attend MLB exhibition game in Cuba

During his historic trip to Cuba later this month, President Barack Obama will attend an exhibition baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cuba's national team in Havana on March 22.

"Americans and Cubans share a love of baseball, and this is yet another powerful reminder of the kinship between our peoples as well as the progress we can achieve when we leverage those natural ties," a White House official said. ESPN first reported news of the plans.


In announcing the game Tuesday, Major League Baseball noted that it is the first time a major-league franchise has visited the country since the Baltimore Orioles played another exhibition game against Cuba's national team in 1999.

"During a time of historic change, we appreciate the constructive role afforded by our shared passion for the game, and we look forward to experiencing Cuba's storied baseball tradition and the passion of its many loyal fans," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.