Cuban

During the early part of the 20th century, baseball in Cuba was being dominated by a wiry little pitcher named Jose Mendez (right), El Diamante Negro, "The Black Diamond." At 5 feet, 8 inches and 155 pounds, Mendez was not an imposing figure on the mound. But his frame belied the power of his right arm. Martin Dihigo (left), who was equally adept at playing any position on the field, is enshrined the in the halls of fame in Cuba, the United States, Mexico and Venezuela. Every winter, Dihigo, El Inmortal, "The Immortal One" returned from playing in the Negro Leagues to play in the Cuban League.

Cristobal Torriente, who played for Almendares played for several Negro League teams, including the Cuban Stars, the Chicago American Giants and the Kansas City Monarchs. Torriente, Dihigo and Mendez are considered the greatest of the Cuban players ever to play in the Negro Leagues.

Before the turn of the century, Esteban Bellán was the first Cuban to play in the majors as a member of the Troy Haymakers. In the early part of the 20th century, white Cubans, like Rafeal Almeida, Armando Marsans, Adolfo Luque (above right) and Mike Gonzalez, found success in the majors. Luque, who went on to post 193 major-league victories and a 27-8 record with Cincinnati in 1923. In the 1930s and '40s, Nap Reyes (left), Roberto Oritz, Roberto Estalella (below right) and Minnie Miñoso (below, left) led a continuing stream of Cuban talent flowing into the majors.

Later players such as Tony Taylor, Luis Tiant, Mike Cuéllar, Tony Oliva and Tony Pérez, who left Cuba after Fidel Castro came to power, enjoyed successful major-league careers. Those who remained in Cuba became isolated from the rest of the baseball world for the better part of four decades.

[Tony Taylor interview in Spanish]