This story was excerpted from Jason Beck’s Tigers Beat newsletter. MLB Digital Content Diversity Fellow Melanie Martinez-Lopez contributed to this edition. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Yosmin Funtes Chavez was starstruck as he sat on the Williamsport City Bus. It was no ordinary bus ride. Cuba’s Little League right fielder sat at arm's length behind Tigers shortstop Javier Báez.

“It’s very exciting, because I met Javy Báez, the best player in MLB,” the 12-year-old said in Spanish.

It was an unforgettable experience for both Little League and Major League players as they rode the bus to the Little League International Complex on Sunday ahead of the Tigers’ 3-2 walk-off win over the Yankees at the 2024 Little League Classic.

Chavez, along with his teammates and the Southwest Region players, sat with Báez and Andy Ibañez -- a Cuba native -- and other Tigers players. They asked the shortstop questions about baseball and got autographs. The 12-year-old and his teammate, Brett Cabrera, both got their cellphones signed by Báez.

“It’s really special. It’s the second time I’ve done this, I came with the team I was with before,” Báez said in Spanish. “It was a different experience. It’s a dream [of the kids] to see us in person and ask questions and talk with us.”

Cuba’s players listened carefully, hanging onto every word the Puerto Rico native said. They also bonded over their shared Caribbean culture and style of play.

“Caribbean baseball is a little more aggressive I would say, with more mischief, with more ‘Caribbean flavor’ as we like to call it,” Báez said.

“El Mago” previously participated in the 2019 Little League Classic with the Cubs -- who played against the Pirates. He was voted the Little Leaguers' favorite MLB player in his first appearance.

Báez continued to be a fan favorite in ‘24 and he knew what to do. As he explored the complex, kids would flock to him to catch a glimpse of the two-time All-Star. He often stopped to sign autographs, take photos and answer questions.

“It makes me happy to see the happiness on their faces and excitement when they see ballplayers like us,” the 31-year-old Báez said. “It’s their dream to be in our place. So, we encourage them to stay on the right path and to continue working hard to get there.”

As a child, Báez did not play in the Little League World Series. Even though he never got the opportunity, he is excited for the next generation of Caribbean ballplayers to play in Williamsport.

“It’s something different,” Báez said. “When I was a kid, I did not have this opportunity, so hopefully, they take full advantage and enjoy it.”

Cuba’s Little League team has done just that. Chavez said they worked hard in Cuba to get to Williamsport and compete in the Little League World Series. Interacting with the Major League players, watching a game with them, and picking their brains made the reward even sweeter, regardless of the tournament’s results.

Spending time with the big leaguers and interacting with them has left an impression on Chavez that has only motivated them more for the future.

“It inspires you to keep playing ball,” he said.