athletes on a whole new playing field. >> we'll great some day, cuban players can play in the major league baseball but legally. >> do you think he'll make it to the major leagues? >> maybe, i hope so. coached by his father, says when his time comes he'll be ready. >> how good are you? >> really good, yeah. >> one local baseball expert told us there are 11 million people living in this country, and the he expects about 11 million to be watching the game tomorrow between the rays and the cuban national team. that's going to do it for us on a monday night from havana, cuba. i'm lester holt. for all of us at nbc >>> hello everybody. this is "early today." we want to begin with breaking news at this hour. several people dead and more wounded following an explosion at brussels airport at belgium and reports of multiple casualties p. casualties. the number of dead and wounded is unknown at this hour. terrorism or an accident. but we understand that the brussels airport did tweet out that the building is being evacuated and flights have been canceled. confirming that two explosions did occur and they're a

the first latino player ever in major league baseball was cuban. n that, this is so interesting giving the last 100 years of history, but baseball was always a symbol of unless in cuba. the u.s. sport was a symbol of independence, as people were pushing against the traditions of bull fighting and spanish sports. you could make it case you would not have had integration in major league baseball, 1947, jackie robinson, all that history we're so familiar with. you could make the case you don't have that history without the cuban winter leagues when white players and negro league players would go to cuba and play together, and learn that gee, maybe it's a bizarre alien thing that we have to play apart. you cannot separate cuba from the history of baseball. they are one and the same. they're baked in the same cake. so baseball, diplomacy with cuba, has a tremendous amount of power on both sides of the ocean. >> you and i are both boxing enthusiasts and we know about the ways even in the years of the early 20th century, how black and white boxers were int

significant from a historical standpoint is that cuban players were not much of a presence in major league baseballat number of the cuban stars were black players and black players could not play in the major leagues when jackie robinson integrated baseball in the major leagues, that opened the door of a cuban players and that jackie robinson in 1947 when he did integrate major league baseball, he played games in the stadium where they will be played tomorrow. and so jackie robinson's role in integrating baseball was connected with havana at the very beginning. >> peter biarkman, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us. a lot of excitement for the game tomorrow but in the meantime, "andrea mitchell reports." tomorrow, andrea back here live from havana cuba. follow online and on facebook at @mitchellreports. live from cave creek, arizona, next is craig melvin. thank you. accelerating innovation. accelerating next. hewlett packard enterprise. until one of you clipst da food truck.. then your rates go through the roof. perfect. for drivers with accident forgiveness, liberty mutual won't ra

thankful to major league baseball. we think they made a great decision. >> reporter: despite rumors president obama is not throwing the first pitch. we got a press release from major league baseball. they say that is reserved for two cuban pitchers. very famous in this area. you can look for reports coming from us for the next couple of days. in cuba, laura harris, back to you. >> great experience to check that out and report on it. >>> back in tampa, home to thousands of cuban americans, many are keeping a close eye on the president's trip and the thawing of relations between the two countries. >> the question many are asking is the trip progress or a mistake? abc action news reporter cara describes the divide that exists in the cuban american community. cuban sandwiches made fresh. the fifth annual cuban sandwich festival in ybor city. >> definitely have to keep the historic culture alive. not just the sandwich but also the cigars, culture of the latin food, cuban people and the history, it's about the history of tamp

on a whole new playing field. >> it will be great some day, cuban players can play in the major league baseballut legally. >> do you think he'll make it to the major leagues? >> maybe. i hope so. >> noah, who's coached by his father, says when his time comes, he'll be ready. >> how good are you? >> really good, yeah. >> one local baseball expert told us there are 11 million people living in this country, and he expects about 11 million to be watching the game tomorrow between the rays and the cuban national team. that's going to do it for us on a monday night. from havana, cuba, i'm lester holt. for all of us at nbc news, thank you for watching and good night. ♪the rm." rs :03==je/vo==righte >>> you know, it's difficult to ignore the elephant in the room. >> right now at 6:00, apple's new gadget is up staged by the fight with the fbi and late word tonight, the government may not need apple's help after all. good evening and thanks for joiningicaingjessica. >> i'm raj mathai. the government says it may not need that key to hack a terrorist locked iphone. nbc business and tech reporter scott budm

major league baseball is coming to fort bragg. the atlanta braves and miami marlins will play a fist of its kind regular season game on post. that's going to be july 3rd. major league baseball promised to pay for a 12,500 seat game. >> it's very gracious of major legal baseball to think of the military and doing something like this. we're not very close to a home baseball field, five hours away. having this in our backyard is extraordinary for major league baseball for us. >> that's going to be really awesome. the game will air nationally on espn's sunday night baseball. regular season game of a -- the first regular season game of a professional part ever played on an active military base. >>> less people are taking the oath to protect and serve. still to come, we've got details on a trend that could lead to a police officer shortage. >> also after the break, mothers may want to think twice about what they feed their babies. why some i have asthma... ...one of many pieces in my life. so when my asthma symptoms kept coming back on m

athletes on a whole new playing field. >> we'll great some day, cuban players can play in the major league baseball but legally. >> do you think he'll make it to the major leagues? >> noah, who is coached by his father, says when his time comes he'll be ready. >> how good are you? >> really good, yeah. >> one local baseball expert told us there are 11 million people living in this country, and the he expects about 11 million to be watching the game tomorrow between the rays and the cuban national team. that's going to do it for us on a monday night from havana, cuba. i'm lester holt. for all of us at nbc >>> more money for hulk hogan. the case goes into the punitive phase.

athletes on a whole new playing field. >> we'll great some day, cuban players can play in the major league baseballlegally. >> do you think he'll make it to the major leagues? >> maybe, i hope so. >> noah, who is coached by his father, says when his time comes he'll be ready. >> how good are you? >> really good, yeah. >> one local baseball expert told us there are 11 million people living in this country, and the he expects about 11 million to be watching the game tomorrow between the rays and the cuban national team. that's going to do it for us on a monday night from havana, cuba. i'm lester holt. for all of us at nbc ne >>> i'm waving an ambulance over to a girl who's dying on the sidewalk. her lips are blue. her friends are frantically trying to save her. the week before i learned how to save someone. we've been reporting on the heroin epidemic. we've been trying to wrap our heads arntd not just how we got here, but mostly what are we going to do about it? >> when it comes to drugs, just say no. >> we've already learned one thing, the war on drugs, it

cuban athletes on a whole new playing >> we'll great some day, cuban players can play in the major league baseball but legally. >> do you think he'll make it to the major leagues? >> maybe, i hope so. >> noah, who is coached by his father, says when his time comes he'll be ready. >> how good are you? >> really good, yeah. >> one local baseball expert told us there are 11 million people living in this country, and the he expects about 11 million to be watching the game tomorrow between the rays and the cuban national team. that's going to do it for us on a monday night from havana, cuba. i'm lester holt. for all of us at nbc @ @>>> why teachers will lose @their jobs at a local school @district and how students will @be effective by this playoff. @what a mess after criminals @smash into another drugstore. @police found lots of recluse in @the crane. @they still need one more thing @to stop it. @>>> i will tell you when to @expect those temperatures to @soar. @>>> when white house most @famous musicians will lend a @hand in the big role he will @play in the home opener. @ @>>> good evening everybody

athletes on a whole new playing field. >> we'll great some day, cuban players can play in the major league baseball but legally. >> do you think he'll make it to the major leagues? >> maybe, i hope so. >> noah, who is coached by his father, says when his time comes he'll be ready. >> how good are you? >> really good, yeah. >> one local baseball expert told us there are 11 million people living in this country, and the he expects about 11 million to be watching the game tomorrow between the rays and the cuban national team. that's going to do it for us on a monday night from havana, cuba. i'm lester holt. for all of us at nbc news, t hi, guys! spring is almost here and you know what that means! so, if you're looking to stretch your dollar this easter holiday, just look at these savings at your local walmart. charlotte, in head-to-head shopping, the total amount saved at walmart vs. bi-lo was $15.47... that's 11% on this week's easter basket. why shop anywhere else? fill your basket with walmart's every day low prices and get big savings. start shopping with walmart's every day low prices today. and

athletes on a whole new playing field. >> we'll great some day, cuban playeye can play in the major league baseball but legally. >> do you think he'll make it to the major leagues? >> maybe, i hope so. >> noah, who is coached by his father, says when his time comes he'll be ready. >> how good are you? >> really good, ye. >> one local baseball expert told us there are 11 million people living in this country, and the he expects about 11 million to be watching the game tomorrow between the rays and the cuban national team. that's going to do it for us on a monday night from havana, cuba. i'm lester holt. news, t >>> kim kardashian unveils her post-baby weight loss at the >> now on "extra" from universal orlando resort. >>> kim kardashian showing off her body after baby as she parties with j-lo, kate hudson, and lady gaga. >> i don't get let in everywhere. so this is really wonderful. >> plus, gaga's man taylor kinney with the latest on their wedding plans. >> and i'm hearing it's going to be a big italian wedding. is t tt true? >> gwen stefani pours her heart out. >> it was rock bottom. i was so emba

left this country three years ago just trying to make it in major league baseball. when he got here last night just before midnight, the homecoming he received from his family and his little sister was just bringing tears to everyone's eyes. you could see the emotion on their face and how much they had missed him. we actually got a chance to speak with chris archer, pitcher for the rays about dayron and how he was feeling up to this point ready to come to cuba. he didn't know he was going to be here until right before they got on the plane. >>> it's something i can't even imagine. we'll never be put in that situation. but just from seeing his excitement on the plane and all throughout spring training and then the emotional response from him and his parents was a great experience for us to see how fortunate we are to live in the country we live in. >> reporter: we spoke with rays manager kevin cash earlier this morning and he says he's going to start tomorrow so he can do that in front of the hometown crowd. you can imagine how proud his family will be. >>> it is off

the rays are the first major league baseball team to play in cuba since the baltimore orioles in 1999. and it's getting easier to travel to cuba. cruise lines are tapping into the travel market with package deals to the island. carnival cruise line is spearheading this effort and the company's first ship will head out of miami in may. 10news reporter emerald morrow is live at port tampa bay. emerald, do we know if people will be able to book a cruise right out of tampa? heading down to miami is the only way to sail to cuba - but, port tampa bay has been looking forward to this for almost a year now....and has been thinking about ways for you to one day be able to leave for cuba from right here. - port tampa bay released this statement last july after carnival announced its new cuba itinerary...saying quote "this news bodes well for future opportunities for port tampa bay, which is well positioned as one of the closest cruise ports to havana, to one day serve this new cruise destination." - so there's a lot of excitement around these new cruises, which will take travelers on a 7-day vo

little boys growing up of wanting to some day play in the major leagues. baseball. it is also cuba's national pastime. they start young and like 13-year-old noah tortollo they dream big. what do you want in your life? >> for me i want to be a good baseball player. like i would like to get to the major leagues and play. >> reporter: as a kid tampa bay rays outfield er outfielder had the same team and today two years after defecting he got a hero's welcome as he practiced for tomorrow's exhibition game speaking to us through a translator. >> it's wonderful, i'm so appreciative to be here in my home breathing in the cuban air. >> in ballparks and dusty fields across havana. junior, you play every day? >> yeah. >> passion for the sport runs deep, often driven by a shot at the majors. what's your favorite team? >> yankees. >> we love baseball since we are little boys. we, you know, watch baseball on tv and we listen to radio and people play baseball and it's part of our tradition already, you know. >> there are currently around 18 players in major league baseball. until n

teams picked here to let it be the rays that get selected by major league baseball. baseball. decision. first pitch. major league baseball says that's actually going to be reserved for two cuban pitchers who are famous in that area. for you. does it sound familiar to you. he's actually on the tampa bay rays team. from cuba. he'll be getting off one of these buss in just a little bit as well. you can look for full reports coming up in the next few days. laura harris, thank you. >> of course campus is home to thousands of cuban americans. now the president's voice. >> i the question is is this trip progress or a mistake? >> we have more on the divide that still exists in the community. cuban sandwiches are fresh. >> definitely have to keep this alive. the history, it's about the history of tampa. >> now is a time more than ever to celebrate that heritage as president obama celebrates cuba. >> some people can put aside past prejudicisms, what is our country about that. >> others worry that the u.s. is entering in a dangerous territory, working with what they see as a c

athletes on a whole new playing field. >> we'll great some day, cuban players can play in the major league baseballt legally. >> do you think he'll make it to the major leagues? >> maybe, i hope so. >> noah, who is coached by his father, says when his time comes he'll be ready. >> how good are you? >> really good, yeah. >> one localas are 11 million people living in this country, and he expects about 11 million to be watching the game tomorrow between the rays and the cuban national team. that's going to do it for us on a monday night from havana, cuba. i'm lester holt. for all of us at nbc news, thank you for watching and good night. when you build one of the biggest retail businesses in america, you spend a lot of time working closely with elected officials. from secretaries to presidents you learn what works in government and what doesn't. and if you're david trone you take those lessons all the way to congress. you pledge to take nothing from pacs or corporations because the only special interest a congressman should have is you and he'll promise to work with anyone after all he's spent 30 year

. >>> and the impact of chewing tobacco bans on major league baseball, also new details on the boston marathon bombing attacks. those are some of the headlines on the "morning news" stand. they say he called his brother to sin kron nice explosions. also tsarnaev didn't warn any of because he didn't care if they got hurt. jessie matthew jr. is expected to plead guilty tomorrow in two killings. matthew is accuse of killing two college students in virginia. without the plea he could have faced the death penalty. he's already serving a life term for sexual assault. >>> the tennessean is reporting emotional testimony by erin andrews involving a nude video of her. the sportscaster broke down when telling the jury how some in the media expect lated the video was a publicity stunld. she recalls telling her father that the video was online. >> my dad thought i was in a car accident accident. he asked why i was screaming. >>> it enabled the stalker who reported the video through a peephole. >>> the "washington post" college present who compared freshmen to bunnies who should be drowned. he was

major league baseball in havana today. the race including the two presidents. the race took the hand -- field hand-in-hand with the cubans. brad miller tries to center and santos does a sliding catch. the big hitter was james body with an rbi single and a homer in the fourth. the rays won the game. everyone has seen a winner today. they play eight spring training game on saturday. they will be back in tampa tonight and have a game in fort myers with the minnesota twins tomorrow. hand in tonight's lineup. he is not ready. callahan wasn't even on the ice. jon cooper said after the morning that his guys will have to be tougher. they have to when the loose pucks and paper checks. the players agreed they have to be playing their best hockey of these last 10 games they really are the plane the best right now? >> no. that was of the best hockey. we can always do better. i have a lot of faith in the guys. and the leadership we have. putting everything together. >> growing up in tampa and >> could he go to the buccaneers of the draft? fisher had a one-on-one interview a

that's why the president as well as major league baseball are so anxious to implement a new rule that would allow some of these baseball cuban stars to play for a major league team without having to defect. it's just another sign of the sweeping change taking place in cuba. keith kate. us his reports from cuba all through had historic visit. tonight at 11. >>> meantime, chief us. just about the time i thought i would i -- could put away the another blast. >> you could get away with boots tomorrow if you wanted to wear those. i will wear boots tomorrow. >> leopard? >> maybe. you never know. >> that's just my opinion. >> stop being so judgey. >> coastal areas not included in that. winds are lighter with an area of high pressure over us. frost is possible in these areas. heads up and take those precautions if you feel you need to in your area. >> right now 60 degrees in st. pete. 58 degrees in wiki wachee. ago. we are going to jump right back with the temps and a warm-up. we will talk about that coming up. >>> still ahead on 8 at 7. >> these boxes full of bees are a massive beehive found

. >> major league baseball is doing everything they can to make it a memorable event for the players and the staff and it's going to be a nice little break from the spring training monotony to go have a road trip, experience a new culture, play a baseball game and turn >> this trip is pretty impressive from a logistical standpoint. a normal road trip caters to a party of 55 to 60 people, but the cuba excursion features two planes and about 145 people. the prays equipment staff packed up -- the rays equipment staff packed up this truck yesterday loading it with all sorts of goodies, including some items the team is not bringing back. >> we have a lot of items we're going to leave with the locals. we have a lot of merchandise from our marketing department to utilize down there and we'll have a lot of our fans there. so we have apparel for them. probably half of the equipment manifest will stay in cuba. >> opening day of the 2016 season is two weeks away. things are starting to shape up for the roster with one big exception. rays closer brad box burger will miss at least eight weeks of

obama will attend the major league baseball game cuban national baseball team. the stajum underwent tons of im improvements improvements. for most fans, it is invite only. the rays will become the first major league baseball franchise to play in havana since 1999. the tweets pouring in from people around the world using the hashtag obamaencuba. click on the cuba crossroads sections. >>> a rain day in parts of south florida. here's chief meteorologist john morales watching the radar for us. >> the rain should taper off tonight. big changes with aig drop in >>> coming up next, house party horror. a night of fun ends in a hail of gunfire inside of a home packed with hundreds of people. hear from the people who made it out alive. >>> south florida college student now missing after a freak accident on a caribbean island. >>> it's another "sports final" sunday night in miami. the heat crushing the first place cavaliers last night at the aaa. the kanes are moving on to the sweet 16. a video goes viral and the basketball player from right we'll recap ken spacey's night m

the rays were are selected by major league baseball. they worn the opportunity through a lottery, and it seems to be the most talked about event in the off-season. >> we're not only representing tampa bay, but we're representing major league baseball. >> reporter: this is a different type of trip that took months to iron out all the details. >> i know from behind the scene is that they put a lot of 0 work into it, and i'm sure it will be first class. >> reporter: the last time a team from the u.s. visited cuba was in 1999, when the orioles traveled to play an exhibition so these players know this is a unique road trip. >> when i was kid, my dad was in the military, so traveled all over the place. >> we heard they're a big fan of baseball, so we're excited to go there and spend time with them. >> the president is also expected to be in the stands, and that brings even more attention to our bay area >> anytime you get recognition for stuff on a baseball field, it's a good thing. but i think this is just kind of expanding our horizons since

of course the market will watch for that one very carefully. >> and major league technology is coming to major league baseball. apple has just signed a deal to supply ipad pro tablets to every major league team so that coaches can have instant access to data during the games. helping them determine pitcher/hitter matchups, analyze a ball, all the things that coaches used to do by instinct. now they'll have their necknology neck technology with them. we'll see if this has any impact on gamts. >> you know some people are not going to be happy. there's that gut instinct that people really admire. >> does experience count for nothing anymore now? >> i don't think so. if i'm any example. [ laughter ] all right. we'll see you tomorrow, bill. thank you. >>> just jokes. just jokes. we were talking -- well, bill was talking a little bit about the weather. snow, warm, cold, windy, sunny. >> don't start with the snow, though. that's going to scare people. there is snow in the forecast. there's a bit of everything coming our way. it's going to be a rough ride. so enjoy this quiet day today. no snow today. 52 degrees and

a reminder from major league baseball says it expects players to comply. >>> still ahead,ing a first for's autonomous car. it appears to be at fault for an accident. feel secure in just switch from denture paste to sea-bond denture adhesive seals. leading paste all day... without the ooze. feel secure. be yourself. x with stronger, clean sea-bond. see me. don't stare at me. see me. see me. see me to know that psoriasis is just something that i have. see me to know that i won't stop. until i find what works. discover cosentyx, a different kind of medicine for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.help the majority of people find clear or almost clear skin. 8 out of 10 people saw 75% skin clearance at 3 months. while the majority saw 90% clearance.you are allergic to cosentyx. before starting, you should be tested for tuberculosis. an increased risk of infectionsto fight them may occur. tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms... ...such as fever, sweats, chills, muscle aches or cough.eceived a vaccine or plan to. symptoms can worsen. serious allergic reactions may occur. se

all i ever wanted to do was a major league baseball player and i worked at it. >> a lot of ballplayerse always been working people that otherwise might be in the mines or the cotton mills or farming. and baseball was an escape. >> bill is the author of "ted williams at war". >> you could get paid reasonably well and be a little bit of a star if you're ever good. >> feller was good. he signed with the cleveland indians for a whopping $10,000 in 1935. he was just 16 years old. >> was that unusual to be that young? >> probably was unusual. i got -- my bonus was an autographed baseball and a contract on a piece of hotel stationa stationary. >> what did your folks say? >> they were really happy. i never got home sick. i was doing what i wanted to do. ♪ >> baseball had a great appeal to people in both towns and cities. you could play in the parks and cities and something connected the american people in that time and place and it only spread. ♪ >> baseball had a grip on the american populous that no professional sport has ever had. >> "war stories" sat down with baseball historianed to anton

steve: taking a stab at major league baseball. what will happen afterwards, coming up next. this plane falls 2000 feet out of the sky. how he was able to save two babies inside that burning car. let's take a live look outside. a beautiful evening. chris: asking you shall receive printed butchers in the 50's after a gorgeous day. we will fall through the 50's. more nice weather tomorrow. how long can this go on? steve: now a look at the mega they are 37,anchor: breaking news enter him. a double shooting on maplewood drive. we are working to learn what led to the shooting and how serious the injuries are. you can watch for the latest on eyewitness news. anchor: history is coming to fort bragg. the marlins will play a regular season game on post. check out this video from major league baseball showing the ballparks that will be built on post. it's a gift from major-league tisha: butterball donated the food and it was courtesy of governor pat mccrory as part of his super bowl wager with colorado governor. an suv ended up on top of a grocery store roof. no one has ever seen a car

. >> and major league baseball says play ball. the rays look ahead to their >>> the tampa bay rays were off today for the first time since spring training began. the club has another day off, if you count a day in tuesday as a day off. the rays will face the cuban nationalal team. major league baseball shipped over 60 tons of clay and equipment to ensure the nearly tip top shape. mlb officials say it's ready for action. >> the field is not quite up to that's okay. again, it's about the event. we just want to mamake sure the field is safe. >> the event has a different ballgame park. we've made some great progress. >>> in 1937, the fair labor standards act made the eight hour work day common practice in the united states. this evening at the sebring national raceway, that law does not apply.y. some of the best drivers in the world will hit the track. among them, last year's winner, christian finipaldi, making his debut in 2014. the 24 hours of daytona, 24 hours of le mans, yet he says sebring stands above the left. >> there's a lot

one of the main things on the agenda is attending the major league baseball game between the tampa bay rays and the cuban national team. numerous players have defected from cuba over the years to play in the m-l-b, including former red aroldis chapman. and more could be on the way...as major league baseball is in talks with cuba's government on a potential deal, that would make it easier for cuban ballplayers to play in the u-s, without having to sneak away. we continue to follow the breaking news story of the day...of several explosions in brussels. this is video of a blast at a subway station. at least 10 were we'll have the latest, coming up next. frank weather open as temperatures warm into the low least 23 have been killed...13 at an airport, 10 at the subway the terror threat level in belgium has been raised to four, its highest level. all public transportation closed frank weather open as temperatures as temperatures warm into the low 60s this afternoon we can expect a gusty southern flow with winds gusting upwards of 30 / 35 mph. skies will remain sunny as temperatures will rea

. >>> a major league baseball team played a game on cuban soil. the tampa bay rays taking on the cuban national team in havana. president obama entered the sold out stadium to a standing ovation. before greeteding jackie robinson's widow rachel and derek jeter who served as an ambassador for major league baseball. before the game there was a moment of silence for today's terror attacks in brussels. >>> cuban centerfielder raul santos got the first family's attention with this sliding catch in the first. today, 4-1 the final. that's the story of the monumental game today. >> coming up. >>> on a special one hour edition of nbc nightly news. complete coverage of the terror attacks in belgium. >> we'll see you back here at 11:00. test. sfl sfl sfl sfl sfl sfl sfl somewhere advertise pall >>> breaking news tonight. terror in brussels, a horrific sea of carnage as bombs explode at the airport, in the subway at rush hour. dozens killed. hundreds injured, including americans. nails in the bombs and victims. two americans who were at the airport still miss

robinson, on april 15, 1947, became the first african-american ballplayer to ever appear in a major league baseball game. he has since been inducted into the hall of fame, and his number, 42, has been retired by every single major league baseball team. i'm matt with "teen kids news." >> yogurt and fresh fruit in a popsicle. sound good? i'll show you how to make it. stick around. "teen kids news" will be right >> on our menu today is another fun recipe from the culinary institute of america. >> sometimes you're in the mood for a cool, refreshing snack. they're a great little pick-me-up for when you're studying. here's what you're gonna need. first you're gonna need a popsicle mold -- this one holds four -- some yogurt... any flavor you'd like. i'm using vanilla greek yogurt. ...fresh blueberries and strawberries. first, with permission, you're gonna cut up some strawberries. just cut the stem off just like that... and then cut them in slices... and just throw them right into a bowl. then we're gonna take a fork... and mash them up until they're just broken up... just like that. perfect. take your mo

major league baseball sent tons of clay and baseball equipment to help havana get ready. reporter: from on h havana's latin america stadium doesn't look that different to some of the cathedrals of baseball in the states, but up close, it's a little rough around the edges, not good enough, says major league baseball or more gently put, maybe we can help spruce things up a bit with shiny new bases and 60 tons of baseball clay to make sure balls hit near those bases bounce true. >> we're excited for the opportunity to bring this facility up to a standard that will be exciting for the president and for the country. reporter: the stadium has seen better days, but the field, cook says, is in much better shape than in 1999 when the baltimore orioles teams visited, the relations now are much better as well. >> given that baseball is the national sport, both in cuba and the united states, this could spark a little more or accelerate things, not only in terms of political relations, but also in sporting relations. reporter: political relations will undoubtedly dictate the speed of

major league baseball shouldot be doing this because of the human rights abuses. >> it's baseball game of diplomacy but it's a rubber match between the cuban national baseball team and any american pro baseball tm back in 1999 the baltimore orioles came and won the game barely. the cuban national team went to baltimore and the cuban national team crushed the baltimore orioles 12 to six. so this game will decide who is maybe the better baseball team in baseball. >> aside from competition i think they know the historic natureref the game. a lot of of them in tampa bay will maybe get a glimpmp of the president and shake his hand. >> so it's going to be quite a week.

reporter: 14-year-old drake laroche has been a fixture alongside his father on the field and in major league baseball league clubhouses for years. complete with his own jersey and personal locker. >> my friends think it's really cool and everything. but i just think it's normal because i do it every single year since i've been a baby. >> reporter: kids on the field and in the clubhouse isn't uncommon across baseball, but drake's involvement with the white sox was unique. >> you see kids in clubhouses all the time but not on a consistent base. i can't think of a single case where a player's son was in a clubhouse the entire time the player was. >> reporter: the white sox insist their decision had nothing to do with drake's conduct. but, rather, an attempt to completely focus on winning. >> it's awesome. yeah, i'm so lucky to get to take him to work. my brothers and i just grew up around the stadium. we always did it so it's cool to give him the same memories. >> reporter: some of laroche's former teammates tweeted their support, including current mvp famer chipper jones. baseball has long been a famil

(elephant noise) (donkey noise) hey candidates, >> major league baseball may be coming to north port in sarasota county. the atlanta braves are thinking of moving their spring training from the disney complex in trail. it is really some exciting news for the tampa bay area. this is big. potentially could be really big. but, to use a baseball analogy, it is not even the top of the first inning. following other baseball teams, the atlanta braves are on the hunt for a new training facility. they are eyeing this >> is baseball a good fit? >> baseball is a great fit. it is perfect for the community because it involves people of all ages. baseball, especially the braves, are known for giving back to the community so it enhances the lifestyle. >> reporter: here is a look at what could be if the braves move to north port. it would include a 7500 seat stadium. practice field. and other improvements. >> we are certainly excited about the opportunity and the possibilities but it is a process for which we are going and there is some work that remain to be done. we will see how far it takes us. >

. >>> there is much more to come on owing at 12:30, a major league baseball star takes a stand and quits the team in honor of his son. what the white sox are saying about adam laroach's decision is causing so much attention. are. >>> two people are in custody after a wild car chase in california. you can see the suspect the car thief weaving in and out of traffic and then jumping out at a shopping mall. >>> a major league baseball star is making headlines for abruptly walking away from his team. white sox first base man will retire and give up a $13 million salary after being told to cut down on his son's time at the clubhouse. he feared the kid was being a distraction. >> to think he is obviously a man of great conviction, i don't think we'll see a change of heart from him. >> teammates say that laroach's son was a big help and never caused trouble and even had a locker next to his dad's in the white sox clubhouse. >>> the woman seen having sex with the wrestler on tape got emotional in court saying she did not know she was being filmed in her own home. >> in a taped deposition heather

>> you can't come. >>> major league baseball commissioner rob manfred pays a visit to studio 57. "cbs morning news" for this wednesday. we close our show with a look at how james corden opened his show last night. i'm anne-marie green. have a great day. ♪ >>> good morning, a local teenager is fighting for his life after he is shot in the back. what the intended target or just in the wrong place a at the wrong time. this morning we are live with what police are saying about the investigation. >>> a community in mourning, how hundreds are remembering a teenager kill in the hit and run, and how police say the suspect was turned in by one of her own family members. >>> and final four fever heating up on the campus of villanova university, fans snapping up merchandise as wildcats get ready to leave for their next round of march madness action. good morning it is wednesday march 30th i'm erika von tiehl. >>> i'm jim ton van. we will get your day started with weather and traffic with the katie