Penn State baseball team plans trip to Cuba

The Penn State baseball team has a historical trip planned for later this fall.

The Nittany Lions will spend Thanksgiving week in Cuba for a unique cultural and educational experience. The trip was announced Thursday by head coach Rob Cooper.

In partnership with the Centro de Estudios Martianos (Center for Marti Studies) in Havana, Penn State baseball and the University Office of Global Programs have received preliminary approval for the trip from the Cuban Baseball Commission. Students will have the opportunity to experience Cuban history and culture through lectures, tours and site visits, while also playing several exhibition games. Potential opponents are expected to include university teams and Cuban national squads.

“This is an incredible educational and life experience that baseball is serving as a vehicle for,” Cooper said. “It’s also another example of the vast educational opportunities Penn State offers to student-athletes. I am very excited that our students are getting the opportunity to experience another culture through baseball.”

A number of details still need to be addressed, and the team will rely on assistance from fans, alumni and friends for funding the trip. Donations can be made through the Nittany Lion Club.

This story was originally published September 10, 2015 at 11:44 PM with the headline "Penn State baseball team plans trip to Cuba."