Today passed Mr. Ismael Sene Alegret (1937 to 2020), known throughout the Republic of Cuba as “Mr. Baseball.” Fellow citizens, seeing him on the street, in a restaurant, or entering a hotel would stop him, engage him, perhaps create a photograph. He was respected.

For representatives of the United States business community whose engagement with the Republic of Cuba began in the early 1990’s, Mr. Sene remains a legendary figure regarded as having done perhaps more than any individual to educate and nurture and befriend all whom he encountered.

He never recoiled from something new- never said no; he always wanted to find a way to create an opportunity from an idea.

If he encountered a wall, he built a ladder or went around it. If he encountered water, he built a bridge or a boat. If it was raining, he got an umbrella rather than retreating indoors. There was never a telephone number he did not have or could not obtain; never a meeting he could not arrange. He wanted to help the citizens of his country. He would always smile when reminding those who had the joy to know him that he shared the day of his birth with Josef Stalin.

His career included postings in Europe while with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba and various positions in Havana with the Ministry for Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation of the Republic of Cuba. In 1993, he was instrumental in the creation of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council.

There was a time when almost every senior-level executive of a United States company- including chairmen and chief executive officers would meet with him- not only for his jokes (which were legendary) and baseball stories, but for his perspective- a candid insight that was far too often lacking from those above him and those below him. He was refreshing. He was honest. Even in retirement, his counsel was sought by visitors from throughout the world.

There were some in the Republic of Cuba who viewed him with suspicion and befuddlement- why did Mr. Sene have such magnetism for executives from United States companies and for journalists? Because he never failed to try and present all sides of an issue; not just two sides or one side.

The whittling away of members of his generation- their wisdom, their practicality, and especially their civility has adversely impacted the relationship between the Republic of Cuba and the United States. In his later years, parties to the system he tirelessly worked within treated him shabbily and disrespectfully.

Mr. Sene, the man, the husband, the father, and grandfather would never ask for anything for himself- if he did ask, it would be for his family.

The memories left by Mr. Sene afford this day a bit less sadness than would be otherwise when a friend passes. He was a good man. He is a good memory.

John

LINKS To Memorial Service And Article:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f1NwzkY_sBE

http://www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2020/01/28/el-ultimo-adios-al-senor-beisbol-fotos/#.XjF7AjnoOaN

LINKS To Videos Of Interview With Mr. Sene:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C5kb1QByhA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0d8KRzq7Zc

https://www.univision.com/univision-news/sports/cubas-baseball-exodus-video