Author Pete Bjarkman being interviewed on Dutch National Television about the magic and traditions of Cuban baseball (August 10, 2007)

Cuban manager Victor Mesa celebrates in the dugout after the first of two Cuban victories over Pan American Games silver medalist Team USA

Teams from Cuba and Chinese Taipei line the base paths during the Opening Day ceremonies for the Eleventh Annual World Port Tournament at Rotterdam’s Neptunus Family Stadium (August 2, 2007)

The author poses with his Cuban baseball history volume in the Neptunus Family Stadium press box (August 3, 2007)

Author Pete Bjarkman poses with Cuban manager Victor Mesa on the field before the Cuba-USA WPT first round game (August 6, 2007)

Manager Victor Mesa seems to be pointing where he wants the ball hit as he huddles with Alfredo Despaigne, Hector Olivera, and a trio of Cuban coaches

Author Pete Bjarkman poses in the Rotterdam press box with a young Dutch fan before the tournament championship finale

Catcher Yosvani Peraza positioned himself for a spot on the top national team roster with an 18-RBI MVP performance in Rotterdam’s Neptunus Family Stadium

Veteran southpaw Yulieski Gonzalez was one of the Rotterdam tournament heroes with flawless relief in a crucial final game that eliminated Team USA from medal contention, and then again versus Chinese Taipei in the championship showdown

Yulieski Gonzalez (right) and outfielder Alexei Bell celebrate following the first of two victories of rival Team USA