“Reflecting on the Influence and Impact of Latinos in the National Pastime”
Since the latter part of the 19th century, Latinos have played a major role in shaping
America’s game, baseball. Within those years, the influence of the National Pastime
spread, primarily in Cuba and rose to such importance that the sport became a genuine
part of their culture. The Caribbean nation grew many players who eventually made
their way north of the border to the United States. In the ensuing decades, Latinos from
Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, in addition to Cuba,
would figure prominently on the rosters of Major League clubs. Latinos later found
themselves on the fields playing for Negro League teams, as well as in the All-American
Girls Professional Baseball League. The influence and impact of Latinos in baseball are
profoundly felt from the 1960s to today’s game, where over one-third of Major League
rosters are players from Latin America.
About
Anthony Salazar chairs the Latino baseball committee for the
Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), and has written
many articles, book chapters and online pieces for various
publications on the Latino baseball experience. He has also
consulted with documentary companies, baseball organizations
and museums looking to tap into the Latino baseball market.
Salazar holds degrees in American Social and Urban History from
the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of
Oregon. He and his family reside in Seattle, Washington.
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