Cuban student Nemesio Guillot introduced
the sport of baseball to his friends & family back
home in Havana, upon his return from studying in the United
States.
1871:
Esteban Bellan played infield for the Troy Haymakers
of the National Association. In doing so, he became
the first Latin-American player in American pro baseball.
1874:
On December 27, the first official baseball game
was played in Cuba. The city of Matanzas hosted a team
from Havana. Esteban Bellan and Emilio Sabourin both
played key roles in the competition.
Havana trounced Matanzas 51-9.
1878:
On December 29, the Professional Baseball League
of Cuba was established.
There were only three teams in the
league: Almendares, Havana & Matanzas.
Each team fielded ten players. The 10th was an extra
outfielder in right short.
The Havana club won the championship trophy with
a 4-0-1 record.
1879:
On November 23, the first home run is recorded in
Cuban baseball history. It was hit by American George
McCullar, a member of the Colon ball club.
On December 25, Almendares' pitcher
Carlos Macia recorded the first bunt if Cuban baseball
history.
1882:
On January 21, Jose Maria Teuma became the first
switch-hitter in Cuban baseball history. He played
in all nine positions for the Club Fe.
1886:
On February 2, Almendares' pitcher
Carlos Macia recorded the first shutout in Cuban baseball
history. Almendares defeated Club Fe 16-0.
Official statistics were recorded for the first time.
Wenceslao Galvez was Cuba's
first batting champ with an overl agerage of .345.
1890:
The sport of baseball was introduced
in other Latin areas: Dominican Republic, Mexico & Puerto
Rico.
1891:
From October 25 - November
8, American major league players tour Cuba as the All-American
team.
1894:
The Almendares team recorded its first championship
title with a 17-1-1 record.
