The Cuban League was one of the earliest and longest lasting professional baseball leagues outside of the United States, operating in Cuba from 1878 to 1961. The schedule usually operated during the winter months, so the league was sometimes known as the "Cuban Winter League." With the league becoming racially integrated in 1900, during the first half of the 20th century the Cuban League was a premier venue for black and white players to meet. Many great black North American players, including Home Run Johnson, Pete Hill, Smokey Joe Williams, John Henry Lloyd, Oscar Charleston, Cool Papa Bell, Satchel Paige, Ray Brown, and Josh Gibson played alongside native black and white Cuban stars such as José Méndez, Cristobál Torriente, Adolfo Luque, Miguel Angel (Mike Gonzalez), Martín Dihigo, and Roberto (Bobby) Estalella. 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ... Political highlights of North America North America is the third largest continent in area and the fourth ranked in population. ... Grant Home Run Johnson (September 21, 1874 - September 4, 1963) was an American shortstop in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... J. Preston Hill (1880-1951) was an outfielder, second baseman and manager in the Negro Leagues from 1904 to 1925. ... Joseph Williams (April 6, 1886 - February 25, 1951), also knicknamed Smokey Joe, has been considered by many baseball historians to be one of the games greatest pitchers, even though he never played a game in the major leagues. ... John Henry Pop Lloyd (born April 25, 1884 - died March 19, 1965) was a Negro League baseball player. ... James Thomas Cool Papa Bell (May 17, 1903 - March 7, 1991) was one of the biggest stars in Negro League baseball, and is considered by many baseball observers to have been the fastest man ever to play the game. ... Leroy Robert Satchel Paige (~July 7, 1905 - June 8, 1982) was an American right-handed pitcher in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball who is considered to be among the greatest pitchers of all time. ... Raymond Brown (February 23, 1908 - February 8, 1965) was an American right-handed pitcher in Negro league baseball, almost exclusively for the Homestead Grays. ... Josh Gibson Joshua Gibson (December 21, 1911 in Buena Vista, Georgia - January 20, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) 6-foot-1, 215-pounder was a catcher for the Homestead Grays and later the Pittsburgh Crawfords in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... José Mendez (March 19, 1887 - October 31, 1928) was a Cuban right-handed pitcher and manager in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... Cristobal Torriente (1895 - 1948) was a Cuban baseball player who played in the Negro Leagues with the Cuban Stars, Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs and Detroit Stars over a career that lasted from 1914 to 1928, with a single game in 1932. ... Adolfo Luque (Dolf) (1890 - 1957) was a significant Cuban baseball player. ... Miguel Angel Gonzalez (Cordero) (September 24, 1890 - February 19, 1977) was a Cuban catcher, coach and interim manager in American Major League Baseball during the first half of the 20th century. ... Martin Dihigo (May 25, 1905 - May 20, 1971) was born in Matanzas Province, Cuba. ... Bobby Estalella [es-tah-LAY-yah] (April 25, 1911 _ January 6, 1991) was a Major League Baseball outfielder and third baseman. ...

After 1947, the Cuban League entered into an agreement with Major League Baseball, and many young players spent a winter or two playing in Cuba as part of their development. Cuban stars of the 1950s included Minnie Miñoso, Camilo Pascual, and Pedro Ramos. After the 1960-61 season, the many of the players became exiles in the United States or other Latin American countries. Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of play in professional baseball in the world. ... Minnie Miñoso [me-NYO-so] (born November 29, 1922 in Havana [or Matanzas ?], Cuba), born Saturnino Orestes Armas Miñoso Arrieta, is a former star left fielder in Major League Baseball. ... Camilo Alberto Pascual Lus (January 20, 1934 Havana, Cuba - ) was a pitcher who had an 18 year career from 1954 to 1971. ... Pedro Ramos Guerra (born April 28, 1935 Pinar Del Rio, Cuba - ) was a pitcher with a 15 year career from 1955-1967, 1969-1970. ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ...

Although the Cuban League's quality of play and playing conditions evolved over the decades, certain features remained constant throughout its long history. It was always a small league, generally 3 to 5 teams, and was centered in Havana. Although the league occasionally included teams from outlying cities, such as Matanzas or Santa Clara, there were always difficulties in making the games economically viable outside of the capital. During the early years, the schedule varied and games could be scheduled throughout the year, but by 1913 the league had adopted a winter schedule that generally began in November or December and ended by February or early March to accommodate play in North American major and minor leagues and the Negro leagues. Havana (Spanish in full: San Cristóbal de La Habana, usually shortened to just La Habana; UN/LOCODE: CU HAV) is the capital of Cuba and, with a population of 2. ... Matanzas is the capital of the Cuban Province Matanzas. ... Santa Clara is the capital city of the Cuban province of Villa Clara. ... Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of play in professional baseball in the world. ... A Class A California League game in San Jose, California (1994) Minor baseball leagues are North American professional baseball leagues that compete at a level below that of Major League Baseball. ... Bud Fowler, the first professional black baseball player with his team from Keokuk, Iowa, the Westerns of Keokuk The Negro Leagues were a collection of professional baseball leagues made up of predominantly African-American teams. ...

Early History: 1878–1899

The first game in what became known as the Cuban League took place in Havana on December 29, 1878. Esteban Bellán, the first Latin American to play in the highest U.S. league, was captain (playing manager) of Habana, while the opposing Almendares was captained by Carlos Zaldo. (Almendares is a suburb just outside of old Havana.) Habana won the first game 21-20. The only other team in the league was Matanzas. In that first season, only four games were scheduled for each team, with the season lasting through February. Habana won the first championship with a record of 4-0-1. Havana (Spanish in full: San Cristóbal de La Habana, usually shortened to just La Habana; UN/LOCODE: CU HAV) is the capital of Cuba and, with a population of 2. ... December 29 is the 363rd day of the year (364th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 2 days remaining. ... 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Esteban Enrique Bellán (1850 - August 8, 1932), also known as Esteban, or Steve Bellan (bel-lyahn), was credited as having been the first Latin American professional baseball player to play in the United States. ... Havana (Spanish in full: San Cristóbal de La Habana, usually shortened to just La Habana; UN/LOCODE: CU HAV) is the capital of Cuba and, with a population of 2. ...

Early baseball in Cuba, as in the United States, began as an amateur sport conducted by gentlemen's athletic clubs. Games were played on Sundays and typically included a picnic and concluded with a dance. A unique feature of early Cuban baseball is that teams played with 10 players per side. (The tenth player was a "right shortstop," playing halfway between the first and second bases.)

By the mid-1880s, the best-known players were becoming celebrities and baseball began to become professionalized, as players jumped from team to team and Americans were sometimes brought in as reinforcements. The gradual move from amateurism to professionalism that took place in Cuba during the 1880s and 1890s followed the earlier pattern of the United States, where the professional National Association of Professional Baseball Players ultimately broke off from the amateur National Association of Base Ball Players. In Cuba, however, the clubs that wished to remain amateur broke off from the Cuban League. The National Association of Professional Baseball Players, or simply the National Association, was founded in 1871 and lasted through the 1875 season, after which its stronger teams created the National League. ... The National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP) was founded in 1857 by sixteen baseball clubs located in the New York metropolitan area. ...

In Cuba, baseball became associated with Cuban identity and nationalism. González Echevarría (1999) notes, "Baseball was a sport played in defiance of Spanish authorities, who viewed this American invention as vaguely secessionist and dangerously violent because of the use of sticks. A ban was issued in 1869, just as the Ten Years' War was starting." Several of the sponsors of early baseball teams were also supporters of the revolutionary cause. A number of ballplayers fought against Spain in the Cuban War of Independence (1895–98), and at least three lost their lives: Emilio Sabourín, Juan Manuel Pastoriza, and Ricardo Cabaleiro. The Ten Years War (also known as the Big War) began on October 10, 1868. ... // Pre-Columbian Cuba The archeological record and evidence from mitochondrial DNA studies indicate that Cuba and the Antilles have been inhabited by peoples ancestral to the indigenous inhabitants for at least several thousand years. ...

During the nineteenth century the Cuban League remained a segregated, whites-only institution. However, blacks Cubans were developing their baseball skills playing for semi-professional and sugarmill teams. The Cuban War of Independence, however, brought Cuban blacks and whites together in a common cause and created the pressures that would ultimately lead to integration. The other great legacy of nineteenth century Cuban League baseball was the enduring rivalry between Habana and Almendares. This rivalry began before the formation of the Cuban League and would outlast its end. Growing up in Havana (and, indeed, in much of Cuba) meant choosing between Habana and Almendares. Perhaps the closest U.S. analogy would be the rivalry between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 1940s and 50s when both teams vied for the top of the National League—the difference being that the Habana–Almendares rivalry lasted for nearly a century.

Highlights

• In 1881 the first Almendares Park opened. For several decades it served as the principal Havana home for Cuban League baseball.
• On February 2, 1886, Carlos Maciá pitched the first shutout for Almendares, beating Fe 16 to 0.
• In 1887 Habana won its sixth consecutive pennant. In the nine years since the founding of the Cuban League, Habana had so far been the only winner. (There had been two years when the league did not play; in a third year, disputes led to the termination of the season with no official winner.)
• In 1888 Fe became the first team other than Habana to win a championship. Antonio María García, known as El Inglés (the Englishman), wins the first of 4 batting championships, hitting .448 for Habana.
• On May 17, 1890 the President of the league, Oscar Martínez Conill, was killed in a fire while serving in a volunteer fire-fighting brigade.
• In 1891 a group of American major-league players known as the "All Americans," played the locals in an exhibition series. The Americans easily beat the Cubans in five straight games, with scores of 17-0, 14-0, 11-4, 14-3, and 10-1. This would be the first in a long tradition of post-season exhibition series between major leaguers and Cuban teams. John McGraw played for the Americans, in the first of his many visits to Cuba. Antonio María García was lent to the Americans and led all hitters in the series, prompting an offer from McGraw to sign with the Baltimore Orioles; García turned down the offer.
• In 1894 Almendares finally won its first championship, led by the pitching of Juan Manuel Pastoriza.
• In 1895–96 and 1896–97, baseball was not played due to the Cuban War of Independence. In 1897 Emilio Sabourín, who played for Habana in its inaugural season and went on to become its manager, died in a Spanish prison after being captured during the war. In 1897–98 the Spanish government allowed baseball to be played even though the revolution continued in the countryside; the season was ended early, however, when the Spanish American War broke out.
• In February 1899 baseball returned under American occupation.

Havana (Spanish in full: San Cristóbal de La Habana, usually shortened to just La Habana; UN/LOCODE: CU HAV) is the capital of Cuba and, with a population of 2. ... February 2 is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1886 (MDCCCLXXXVI) is a common year starting on Friday (click on link to calendar) // Events January 18 - Modern field hockey is born with the formation of The Hockey Association in England. ... May 17 is the 137th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (138th in leap years). ... 1890 (MDCCCXC) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar). ... John McGraw can refer to different people: John McGraw (merchant), (1815-1877), was a New York lumber tycoon, and one of the founding trustees of Cornell University. ... The Baltimore Orioles were a 19th century American Association and National League team from 1882 to 1899. ... // Pre-Columbian Cuba The archeological record and evidence from mitochondrial DNA studies indicate that Cuba and the Antilles have been inhabited by peoples ancestral to the indigenous inhabitants for at least several thousand years. ... The Spanish-American War took place in 1898, and resulted in the United States of America gaining control over the former colonies of Spain in the Caribbean and Pacific. ...

The Golden Age: 1900–1933

The year 1900 brought fundamental change to the Cuban League. In the aftermath of the Cuban War of Independence and the Spanish American War, pressures mounted for racial integration of the league. Led by promoters and entrepreneurs such as Abel Linares and Tinti Molina, the league integrated in 1900 with the admission of an almost all-black club, San Francisco and the admission of non-white players to some of the other clubs. When San Francisco easily took the pennant, the other clubs quickly began bidding for the top black players. These changes also marked the recognition of the league's status as a fully professional institution. // Pre-Columbian Cuba The archeological record and evidence from mitochondrial DNA studies indicate that Cuba and the Antilles have been inhabited by peoples ancestral to the indigenous inhabitants for at least several thousand years. ... The Spanish-American War took place in 1898, and resulted in the United States of America gaining control over the former colonies of Spain in the Caribbean and Pacific. ...

These changes did not occur without opposition and controversy. At least one team owner sold his interest rather than invest in an integrated enterprise. Several of the players from the upper classes moved to amateur leagues, which continued to compete behind walls of racial segregation.

The next major change came in 1907 when Fe began loading up with black American stars, such as Rube Foster, Home Run Johnson, and Bill Monroe. Soon the other teams were also brining in the Negro League stars, culminating in the 1912 Habana, which easily took the title with a team featuring Hall-of-Famers Joe Williams, John Henry Lloyd, and Pete Hill, as well as Home Run Johnson, who many scholars think is the best player not enshrined in Cooperstown. Only Almendares was able to remain competitive for a while without American reinforcements, relying on its strong core of Cuban-born pitchers including Hall-of-Famer José Méndez, Eustaquio Pedroso, and José Muñoz. Andrew Rube Foster Andrew Rube Foster (September 17, 1878 or 1879 - December 9, 1930) (he adopted the nickname as his official middle letter later in life) was the founder of the Negro National League, the first stable professional baseball league for African-American ballplayers, which operated from 1921 to 1931. ... Grant Home Run Johnson (September 21, 1874 - September 4, 1963) was an American shortstop in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... Bill Monroe Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 - September 9, 1996) developed the style of country music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the Blue Grass Boys, named for his home state of Kentucky. ... Part of the History of baseball series. ... The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, United States, is a semi-official museum operated by private interests that serves as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display... There are several Joe Williams: Smokey Joe Williams, baseball pitcher and hall of famer. ... John Henry Pop Lloyd (born April 25, 1884 - died March 19, 1965) was a Negro League baseball player. ... J. Preston Hill (1880-1951) was an outfielder, second baseman and manager in the Negro Leagues from 1904 to 1925. ... Grant Home Run Johnson (September 21, 1874 - September 4, 1963) was an American shortstop in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... José Méndez (March 19, 1887 - October 31, 1928) was a Cuban right-handed pitcher and manager in baseballs Negro Leagues. ...

As the Cuban League strengthened, it began doing much better in its now regular competitions against major league teams. In 1908 Méndez blanked the Cincinnati Reds for 25 consecutive innings, including a 1-hit, 9-strikeout shutout. In 1910 the Cuban teams beat the World Series champion Philadelphia Athletics 6 games to 4, leading the embarrassed Commissioner to issue a ban on post-season season exhibition games by the reigning World Series champion. Major league affiliations National League (1890-present) Central Division (1994-present) West Division (1969-1993) American Association (1882-1889) Major league titles World Series titles (5) 1990 â€¢ 1976 â€¢ 1975 â€¢ 1940 1919 NL Pennants (9) 1990 â€¢ 1976 â€¢ 1975 â€¢ 1972 1970 â€¢ 1961 â€¢ 1940 â€¢ 1939 1919 AA Pennants (1) 1882 Central Division titles... There have been three professional baseball teams based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania known as the Philadelphia Athletics: 1. ...

During the 1910s a number of white Cuban players began to break into major league ranks, including the outstanding Cincinnati Reds pitcher Dolf Luque, catcher Mike González, and outfielder Armando Marsans. Black Cuban players competed regularly in the Negro Leagues, where Cristóbal Torriente and José Méndez became stars. During the 1920s the Cuban League reached its apex in quality, as top Negro League stars such as Oscar Charleston, Jud Wilson, John Henry Lloyd, Cool Papa Bell, Mule Suttles, Satchel Paige, Bill Foster, and Willie Wells played alongside great Cuban stars such as Martín Dihigo, Cristóbal Torriente, Alejandro Oms, Bernardo Baró, Dolf Luque, and Manuel Cueto. Researchers have estimated that for several seasons the quality of play in the Cuban League probably equaled that of the major leagues. Major league affiliations National League (1890-present) Central Division (1994-present) West Division (1969-1993) American Association (1882-1889) Major league titles World Series titles (5) 1990 â€¢ 1976 â€¢ 1975 â€¢ 1940 1919 NL Pennants (9) 1990 â€¢ 1976 â€¢ 1975 â€¢ 1972 1970 â€¢ 1961 â€¢ 1940 â€¢ 1939 1919 AA Pennants (1) 1882 Central Division titles... Adolfo Luque (Dolf) (1890 - 1957) was a significant Cuban baseball player. ... Michael Vela González (b. ... Cristobal Torriente (1895 - 1948) was a Cuban baseball player who played in the Negro Leagues with the Cuban Stars, Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs and Detroit Stars over a career that lasted from 1914 to 1928, with a single game in 1932. ... José Méndez (March 19, 1887 - October 31, 1928) was a Cuban right-handed pitcher and manager in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... Ernest Judson Wilson (February 28, 1894 - June 24, 1963), nicknamed Boojum, was an American third baseman, first baseman and manager in Negro league baseball. ... John Henry Pop Lloyd (born April 25, 1884 - died March 19, 1965) was a Negro League baseball player. ... James Thomas Cool Papa Bell (May 17, 1903 - March 7, 1991) was one of the biggest stars in Negro League baseball, and is considered by many baseball observers to have been the fastest man ever to play the game. ... George Mule Suttles (born March 2, 1901 in Brockton, Louisiana - died 1968 in Newark, New Jersey) was an American Negro League baseball player who played first base and outfield. ... Leroy Robert Satchel Paige (~July 7, 1905 - June 8, 1982) was an American right-handed pitcher in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball who is considered to be among the greatest pitchers of all time. ... Bill Foster can refer to different people: Bill Foster, Negro League baseball player. ... Willie Wells (August 10, 1905 - January 22, 1989) was a professional baseball player who played from 1924-48 for various teams in the Negro Leagues. ... Martin Dihigo (May 25, 1905 - May 20, 1971) was born in Matanzas Province, Cuba. ... Cristobal Torriente (1895 - 1948) was a Cuban baseball player who played in the Negro Leagues with the Cuban Stars, Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs and Detroit Stars over a career that lasted from 1914 to 1928, with a single game in 1932. ... Alejandro Oms (March 13, 1895 - November 5, 1946) was a Cuban center fielder in Negro league baseball and Latin American baseball, most notably with the Cuban Stars. ... Adolfo Luque (Dolf) (1890 - 1957) was a significant Cuban baseball player. ...

Highlights

• In 1902 Habana swept the competition, ending the season with a record of 17-0. Pitcher Carlos (Bebé) Royer pitched every game, also ending with a record of 17-0.
• In 1903 Habana won the title over Fe in the bottom of the 9th inning of the last game of a 5-game playoff series. Habana's Carlos Royer went 18-10.
• In 1909 Eustaquio Pedroso pitched an 11-inning no-hitter to beat the American League pennant-winning Detroit Tigers. The Cuban teams beat the Tigers (who were without the services of Ty Cobb) 8 games to 4.
• In 1918 a new Havana stadium, the second Almendares Park, opened a few blocks away from the old one, which was last used in 1916.
• In 1920 Babe Ruth accompanied the New York Giants to Cuba. However, Cuban slugger Cristóbal Torriente upstaged the Bambino by blasting 3 home runs in one game.
• Considered the most dominant team in Cuban League history, the Santa Clara Leopards towered over the league with a record of 36-11. The team featured batting champion Oliver Marcelle, shortstop Dobie Moore who led in hits and triples, outfield great Oscar Charleston who led in runs and stolen bases, and Bill Holland who led in pitching with a record of 10-2. Alejandro Oms, Rube Currie, Dave Brown, José Méndez, Frank Duncan, Frank Warfield, and Pablo Mesa rounded out Cuba's version of the 1927 Yankees.
• In 1926–27 a rival league, "Triangular," was formed which raided many of the best players.
• In 1927–28 Jud Wilson won the batting title with a .424 average, while also leading the league in triples with 7. Wilson and Martín Dihigo led Habana to a runaway title.
• On January 1, 1929 Cool Papa Bell brought in the new year by hitting 3 inside-the-park home runs in one game. That season Alejandro Oms set the all-time single-season batting record by hitting .432.
• In October 1930 marked the opening of a new ballpark, La Tropical Stadium, which replaced the second Almendares Park.
• In 1932–33, Habana and Almendares ended the season in a tie. With an unstable political situation, plans for a playoff were scuttled and no winner was declared. For the second season in a row, no American players were brought in, reflecting Cuba's poor economic situation.

Major league affiliations American League (1901-present) Central Division (1998-present) East Division (1969-1997) Major league titles World Series titles (4) 1984 â€¢ 1968 â€¢ 1945 â€¢ 1935 AL Pennants (9) 1984 â€¢ 1968 â€¢ 1945 â€¢ 1940 1935 â€¢ 1934 â€¢ 1909 â€¢ 1908 1907 Central Division titles (0) None East Division Champs (3) 1987 â€¢ 1984 â€¢ 1972... Havana (Spanish in full: San Cristóbal de La Habana, usually shortened to just La Habana; UN/LOCODE: CU HAV) is the capital of Cuba and, with a population of 2. ... For the band named Babe Ruth, see Babe Ruth (band). ... City East Rutherford, New Jersey Other nicknames Big Blue, G-Men Team colors Royal Blue, Red, Gray, and White Head Coach Tom Coughlin Owner Wellington Mara and Preston Robert Tisch (both now deceased) General manager Ernie Accorsi Fight song {{{song}}} Mascot {{{mascot}}} Local radio Flagship stations: WFAN (660 AM) Announcers... Cristobal Torriente (1895 - 1948) was a Cuban baseball player who played in the Negro Leagues with the Cuban Stars, Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs and Detroit Stars over a career that lasted from 1914 to 1928, with a single game in 1932. ... Oliver Ghost Marcelle (1897 - 1949) was an American third baseman in the Negro Leagues for a number of teams around the league from 1918-1930. ... Walter Dobie Moore (1893-April 1, 1963), born in Atlanta, Georgia, served in the United States Army and played for the 25th Infantry Wreckers from 1916 to 1920. ... Bill Holland was a Formula One driver (Indy 500 only) from the United States. ... Alejandro Oms (March 13, 1895 - November 5, 1946) was a Cuban center fielder in Negro league baseball and Latin American baseball, most notably with the Cuban Stars. ... Dave Brown can refer to: Dave Brown (born 1913 died 1974), a rugby league Hall of Famer Dave Brown (born 1896), a Negro League baseball player Dave Brown (born 1953 died 2006), an NFL cornerback Dave Brown (born 1962), a Hockey player This is a disambiguation page: a list of... José Méndez (March 19, 1887 - October 31, 1928) was a Cuban right-handed pitcher and manager in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... Ernest Judson Wilson (February 28, 1894 - June 24, 1963), nicknamed Boojum, was an American third baseman, first baseman and manager in Negro league baseball. ... Martin Dihigo (May 25, 1905 - May 20, 1971) was born in Matanzas Province, Cuba. ... January 1 is the first day of the calendar year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. ... 1929 (MCMXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar). ... James Thomas Cool Papa Bell (May 17, 1903 - March 7, 1991) was one of the biggest stars in Negro League baseball, and is considered by many baseball observers to have been the fastest man ever to play the game. ... Alejandro Oms (March 13, 1895 - November 5, 1946) was a Cuban center fielder in Negro league baseball and Latin American baseball, most notably with the Cuban Stars. ... La Tropical Stadium is in Havana, Cuba. ...

Adjusting to Change: 1934–1961

Following the death in 1930 of Cuban League owner Abel Linares, the economic depression of the early 1930s, and the 1933 political uprising that overthrew President Gerardo Machado, the Cuban League found itself in difficult circumstances. The 1933–34 season was cancelled, and when it returned the following season it was without American players or some of the biggest Cuban-born stars, such as Martín Dihigo. Gradually, though, the league regained its strength and before the 1930s had ended, the league had enjoyed dramatic play from Dihigo, Josh Gibson, Willie Wells, [[Ray Brown (baseball player|]], Roberto (Bobby) Estalella, Lázaro Salazar, Alejandro Carrasquel, Ray Dandridge, and Sam Bankhead. Gerardo Machado, Time, 1933 Gerardo Machado (y Morales) (28 September 1871, Camajani – 29 March 1939, Miami Beach, Florida) was a Cuban general of Cuban War of Independence and the 5th president of Cuba. ... Martin Dihigo (May 25, 1905 - May 20, 1971) was born in Matanzas Province, Cuba. ... Josh Gibson Joshua Gibson (December 21, 1911 in Buena Vista, Georgia - January 20, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) 6-foot-1, 215-pounder was a catcher for the Homestead Grays and later the Pittsburgh Crawfords in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... Willie Wells (August 10, 1905 - January 22, 1989) was a professional baseball player who played from 1924-48 for various teams in the Negro Leagues. ... Bobby Estalella [es-tah-LAY-yah] (April 25, 1911 _ January 6, 1991) was a Major League Baseball outfielder and third baseman. ... Carrasquel with the Senators Alex Carrasquel [car_ras_KAEL] (July 24, 1912 _ August 19, 1969), born Alejandro Eloy Carrasquel Aparicio, was the first baseball player from Venezuela to play Major League Baseball. ... Raymond Emmitt Dandridge (August 31, 1913 - February 12, 1994) was an American player in baseballs Negro leagues. ...

During World War II, travel restrictions cut off most of the supply of U.S. players. However, Cuba's own talent flourished as players such as Manuel (Cocaína) Garcia, Alejandro Crespo, Silvio García, and Claro Duany starred. After the war, attendance flourished as several exciting pennant races took place, especially the 1946–47 campaign, which many consider to be the greatest pennant race in Cuban League history. American players, such as Dick Sisler, Lou Klein, Max Lanier, and Sal Maglie, returned to Cuba and participated alongside new Cuban stars such as Orestes (Minnie) Miñoso, Connie Marrero, Julio Moreno, and Sandalio (Sandy) Consuegra. In 1946 a modern, new stadium opened in Havana, Gran Stadium (now known as Latin American Stadium), with a capacity for 35,000 spectators. Richard Alan (Dick) Sisler (November 2, 1920 - November 20, 1998) was a player, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. ... Hubert Max Lanier (born August 18, 1915, in Denton, North Carolina) was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the St. ... Salvatore Anthony Maglie (April 26, 1917-December 28, 1992) was a Major League Baseball player for the New York Giants, Cleveland Indians, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Yankees, and St. ... Minnie Miñoso [me-NYO-so] (born November 29, 1922 in Havana [or Matanzas ?], Cuba), born Saturnino Orestes Armas Miñoso Arrieta, is a former star left fielder in Major League Baseball. ... Sandalio (Sandy) Consuegra [con-soo-AY-grah] (September 3, 1920 - November 16, 2005) was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. ...

In the aftermath of the Mexican League's efforts in 1945 to sign major league players, U.S. organized baseball engaged in an effort to control the flow of players in Cuba and the other Caribbean leagues. This effort culminated in a 1947 agreement between the Cuban League and the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues to bring top minor league and new major league players to Cuba for winter league play. The next season a second league—the Players' Federation—was formed, consisting largely of players who were outlawed by organized baseball for their play in the Mexican League. This new league, however, proved not to be viable and lasted only one season. The Mexican League is a AAA-level baseball minor league in Mexico. ... Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of play in professional baseball in the world. ... A Class A California League game in San Jose, California (1994) Minor baseball leagues are North American professional baseball leagues that compete at a level below that of Major League Baseball. ... The Mexican League is a AAA-level baseball minor league in Mexico. ...

Throughout the 1950s baseball flourished under the new arrangements. Cuba performed very well in the annual Caribbean World Series, and also fielded a summer team, at first in the Florida International League, and later in the International League. Stars of the 1950s included Minnie Miñoso, Pedro Formental, Rocky Nelson, Camilo Pascual, Sandy Amorós, and Pedro Ramos. However, with the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the days of professional baseball in Cuba were numbered. In March 1961, one month after the end of the 1960–61 Cuban League season, the government decreed the abolition of professional baseball. Baseball lived on in Cuba in the form of the amateur Cuban National League, as the government reformed the system to focus on national goals. Caribbean World Series logo The Caribbean World Series of Professional Baseball — or Serie del Caribe del Béisbol Profesional in Spanish — is an annual baseball tournament, usually played during the month of February, before the MLB trainings season in Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico or Venezuela. ... The International League (IL) is a minor league baseball league which operates in the eastern United States and Canada. ... Minnie Miñoso [me-NYO-so] (born November 29, 1922 in Havana [or Matanzas ?], Cuba), born Saturnino Orestes Armas Miñoso Arrieta, is a former star left fielder in Major League Baseball. ... Camilo Alberto Pascual Lus (January 20, 1934 Havana, Cuba - ) was a pitcher who had an 18 year career from 1954 to 1971. ... Edmundo Sandy Amorós (January 30, 1930 - June 27, 1992) was a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers. ... Pedro Ramos Guerra (born April 28, 1935 Pinar Del Rio, Cuba - ) was a pitcher with a 15 year career from 1955-1967, 1969-1970. ... The Cuban National League is not a single baseball league; rather it is a structure of leagues and series that are governed by the Cuban Baseball Federation and culminate in national championships and the selection of the Cuba national baseball team. ...

Highlights

• In 1935–36 Martín Dihigo dominated the league as perhaps no other player in history; he led the league in pitching (11-2) as well as in most of the hitting categories: average (.358), runs (42), hits (63), triples (8), and RBI (38), while leading Santa Clara to the pennant.
• In 1936–37 Ray Brown had a magnificent season, going 21-4 for a Santa Clara team that was 16-28 with its other pitchers. In a 3-game playoff, Brown beat Martín Dihigo of Marianao 6 to 1 in the first game, but Silvio García won the second game for Santa Clara. In the concluding game Dihigo came back with two days' rest to beat the Santa Clara Leopards 7 to 3.
• In 1938–39 Josh Gibson shattered the old home run record of 7 (set by Mule Suttles) by slugging 11 in 163 at-bats. (Home runs had always been scarce in Cuban baseball due to the expansive size of the playing fields. For example, the dimensions of La Tropical Stadium are listed as 398 feet down the right field line, 498 feet down the left field line, and 505 feet to straight center field.)
• In 1941–42 Ramón Bragaña set a record for most consecutive scoreless innings with 39-2/3, while leading Almendares to a pennant in a tight race against Habana.
• In 1945–46 Dick Sisler led the league with 9 home runs, including 3 homers in one game. Minnie Miñoso won the Rookie of the Year award.
• 1946–47 was the most famous pennant race in Cuban League history. During the last month Almendares began making up a 6-game deficit to Habana. On February 23, 1947 Habana had a 1½ game lead over Almendares with a 3 game series remaining between the rivals—Almendares would need to win all 3 to win. In the first game Max Lanier of Almendares won a 4 to 2 decision over Habana. The next day, Agapito Mayor of Almendares beat Fred Martin of Habana 2 to 1 when Andrés Fleitas tripled to knock in the winning run in the seventh inning. The following day Almendares manager Dolf Luque decided to use Max Lanier on 1 day's rest, and Lanier pitched a complete-game 9 to 2 victory to seal the pennant.
• In 1952–53 Lou Klein set the all-time home run record with 16.
• In 1955–56 Camilo Pascual led Cienfuegos to the pennant with a 12-5 record and 1.91 earned run average.
• In 1956–57 Minnie Miñoso led Marianao to the pennant while winning the batting championship with a .312 average.
• The fall of Fulgencio Batista on January 1, 1959 to the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro led to the temporary suspension of play until January 6, but eventually all of the scheduled games were made up.
• As relations between the United States and Cuba deteriorated, American players stayed at home during the 1960–61 season. Pedro Ramos led Cienfuegos to the Cuban League's final pennant. Luis Tiant, Jr. went 10-8 to win the Rookie of the Year award. One month after the end of the season, professional baseball was abolished, to be replaced by the amateur Cuban National League.

Martin Dihigo (May 25, 1905 - May 20, 1971) was born in Matanzas Province, Cuba. ... Raymond Brown (February 23, 1908 - February 8, 1965) was an American right-handed pitcher in Negro league baseball, almost exclusively for the Homestead Grays. ... Martin Dihigo (May 25, 1905 - May 20, 1971) was born in Matanzas Province, Cuba. ... Josh Gibson Joshua Gibson (December 21, 1911 in Buena Vista, Georgia - January 20, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) 6-foot-1, 215-pounder was a catcher for the Homestead Grays and later the Pittsburgh Crawfords in baseballs Negro Leagues. ... George Mule Suttles (born March 2, 1901 in Brockton, Louisiana - died 1968 in Newark, New Jersey) was an American Negro League baseball player who played first base and outfield. ... La Tropical Stadium is in Havana, Cuba. ... Richard Alan (Dick) Sisler (November 2, 1920 - November 20, 1998) was a player, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. ... Minnie Miñoso [me-NYO-so] (born November 29, 1922 in Havana [or Matanzas ?], Cuba), born Saturnino Orestes Armas Miñoso Arrieta, is a former star left fielder in Major League Baseball. ... February 23 is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1947 calendar). ... Hubert Max Lanier (born August 18, 1915, in Denton, North Carolina) was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the St. ... Adolfo Luque (Dolf) (1890 - 1957) was a significant Cuban baseball player. ... Camilo Alberto Pascual Lus (January 20, 1934 Havana, Cuba - ) was a pitcher who had an 18 year career from 1954 to 1971. ... Minnie Miñoso [me-NYO-so] (born November 29, 1922 in Havana [or Matanzas ?], Cuba), born Saturnino Orestes Armas Miñoso Arrieta, is a former star left fielder in Major League Baseball. ... Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar General Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar (January 16, 1901 – August 6, 1973) was the de facto military leader of Cuba from 1933 to 1940 and the de jure President of Cuba from 1940 to 1944. ... January 1 is the first day of the calendar year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. ... 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (pron. ... January 6 is the 6th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Pedro Ramos Guerra (born April 28, 1935 Pinar Del Rio, Cuba - ) was a pitcher with a 15 year career from 1955-1967, 1969-1970. ... Luis Tiant [loo-IS tee-ANT] (born November 23, 1940 in Marianao, Cuba), born Luis Clemente Tiant Vega, is a former right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Cleveland Indians (1964-1969), Minnesota Twins (1970), Boston Red Sox (1971-1978), New York Yankees (1979-80... The Cuban National League is not a single baseball league; rather it is a structure of leagues and series that are governed by the Cuban Baseball Federation and culminate in national championships and the selection of the Cuba national baseball team. ...

References

• Figueredo, Jorge S. (2003). Cuban Baseball: A Statistical History, 1878–1961, McFarland & Company. ISBN 078641250X.
• González Echevarría, Roberto (1999). The Pride of Havana: A History of Cuban Baseball, Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195146050.