Councilman Charlie Miranda Presents Cucs on Behalf of UT Baseball

HAVANA, Cuba - The University of Tampa baseball program received attention during its historic 2014 season following its trip to Cuba and the term "Cuc-It" that was established for every victory.

Members of the 2014 team would put one cuc, which is Cuban currency, in a gnome named Herschel that was picked up following a community outreach event in the fall. The final number totaled 57 at the conclusion of the season, representing 54 regular season victories plus three wins over competition from Cuba on the January trip.

City of Tampa councilman Charlie Miranda recently traveled to Cuba, where he presented the 57 cucs to UT's tour guide, Rudolfo Hernandez Cejas.

Following are quotes from Miranda and members of the UT baseball program on the opportunity to give back the tour guide who spent time with the team throughout their stay in Cuba.

Charlie Miranda
On traveling to Cuba: "I first went to Cuba in 1954 with the Cascade Park All-Stars, with Tony LaRussa being our top player. I went back again in 2004, and in 2011 the team was able to play the same team 57 years later. After losing three of five in 1954, we won three of five in 2011 to make it an even 5-5."

On the memories: "Of all the things I have done since 1954, I can still remember every pitch I threw and every swing. I never forgot a thing from my first trip to Cuba."

On UT's trip to Cuba: "To me, UT followed in the steps of the 1954 team. They played some great teams."

On presenting the cucs to Hernandez Cejas: "I called him when I got to Havana. In a city of 1.9 million, it turns out that we were only a block and a half away at that time. He wasn't happy, he was elated. $57 to him represents 2-3 months of salary."

On UT baseball players: "The players brought a lot of class in representing not only the University, but the United States. When they played, the scoreboard said United States. After the games, the Cuban players would hug the UT players. They have a lot of respect for the United States because of the class displayed by the University of Tampa student-athletes."

Associate Head Coach Sam Militello
On coming up with the idea: "I came up with the idea in Cuba. We started with the phrase, cuc-it, and we then decided to put a cuc in Herschel after every win and make it a year-long effort. We thought it would be a nice gesture to give it to the tour guide as the guys loved him. He makes $16 a month, and this was a great gesture on part of our players. They wanted to give him a big thank you from us to help him and his family out."

On generosity of UT players: "The players thought it was great, and all picked up extra cucs to do this. Rudolfo was part of the team while we were there. We hope that we were able to help him out."

UT shortstop Giovanny Alfonzo
On Rudolfo: "Being able to help someone in need is always a blessing, being able to help family goes beyond that. Rudolfo became a brother to all of us in 10 days and we were able to help him and his family in exchange. I'm proud to have been a part of such a beautiful gesture because I know what it meant to him. Cuba was an experience that my Spartan brothers and I will never forget and Rudolfo is 80 percent of that memory. For us to send that gift as a thank you really makes me proud to be a Tampa Spartan."

Outfielder Stephen Dezzi
On Rudolfo: "Anytime there's an opportunity to make a positive difference, whether it's a group of people or an individual, is something to take advantage of. Being able to see that type of poverty and struggle first-hand is hard. I'm elated that this team was able to raise money with every victory to send to our tour guide, Rudolfo. He did such an incredible job making our trip a success. Rudolfo is a great person and I think I speak for the whole team when I say we wouldn't have wanted anybody else as our guide. I'm upset that we weren't able to win the national championship but I'm honored to have made a positive impact in Rudolfo's life. I'm extremely proud of everything that the 2014 Spartan Baseball team accomplished. I'll always think of these guys as my brothers, Rudolfo included."

Rudolfo Hernandez-Cejas
"My brothers, congratulations on the successful and record setting season. Please thank everyone for sending the gift. And not just for the help I will get from it. I was happy you guys remembered me. That was a greater gift altogether. It made me feel good. I hope you all are doing well there! And hopefully you guys can trip back over here soon! Hahaha talk to you soon brothers."