Ep 26. Brothers in Exile (Mario Diaz)

Brothers in Exile (Mario Diaz) is the 26th episode of the second season of the critically acclaimed ESPN documentary series 30 for 30. The episode tells the fascinating and touching story of two Cuban brothers, Livan and Orlando Hernandez, who defected from Cuba to pursue their dreams of playing Major League Baseball in America.

The documentary is directed by Mario Diaz, who himself is a Cuban immigrant and brings a unique perspective to the story. Diaz masterfully weaves together footage of the Hernandez brothers' early days in Cuba, their defection journey and their rise to fame in the MLB.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Livan and Orlando Hernandez, two young boys growing up in communist Cuba in the 1980s. Despite the difficult living conditions and lack of resources, the brothers had a passion for baseball and a determination to succeed. They trained relentlessly and played for their local teams, eventually catching the attention of scouts from the Cuban national team.

However, the brothers' dreams of playing for the national team were seemingly shattered when they began to speak out against the oppressive regime of Fidel Castro. Both Livan and Orlando had family members who had been imprisoned for their dissent, and the brothers themselves faced consequences for their actions. They were kicked off the national team and their baseball careers in Cuba came to an end.

Undeterred, the brothers continued to train and eventually made the decision to defect to the United States in 1997. The journey was not easy - they were smuggled out of Cuba on a boat, spent time in exile in the Dominican Republic and faced scrutiny and challenges from the MLB on their path to becoming professional players.

But Livan and Orlando's perseverance paid off - they both signed contracts with professional baseball teams in the US and quickly made a name for themselves in the league. Livan famously led the Florida Marlins to a World Series championship in 1997, while Orlando became a star pitcher for the New York Yankees.

The episode includes interviews with Livan and Orlando themselves, as well as family members, teammates and coaches who helped the brothers on their journey. The interviews are emotional and heartfelt, highlighting the sacrifices the brothers made and the challenges they faced to pursue their dreams.

Overall, Brothers in Exile (Mario Diaz) is a compelling and moving episode of 30 for 30 that shines a light on the complexities of Cuban politics and the inspiring story of two brothers who overcame adversity to achieve greatness in America. Diaz's expert direction and the powerful storytelling make it a must-watch for sports fans and anyone interested in stories of resilience and determination.