History of Baseball in Puerto Rico

Baseball arrived in Puerto Rico in the late 19th century before Puerto Rico became an American territory. Cuban players along with Puerto Ricans who had played baseball in America introduced it to Puerto Rico. It did not catch on right away.

Americans Spread Baseball

After the United States captured Puerto Rico from Spain in 1898, the U.S. based military personnel in Puerto Rico. The American military personnel began teaching baseball on the island and played games against local teams.

Professionalization

Semi-professional leagues were formed and thrived. In 1938, the first professional Puerto Rican league, Liga de Béisbol Profesional de Puerto Rico, was formed and it continues to play in the winter.

Puerto Rico and the Negro Leagues

Negro League teams from the U.S. traveled to Puerto Rico to play in exhibitions. In the 1920s, Emilio Navarro became the first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues when he played with the all-Latino Cuban Stars.

Puerto Ricans Enter Major League Baseball

In 1942, Hiram Bithorn became the first Puerto Rican to play in Major League Baseball when he debuted with the Chicago Cubs. When Major League Baseball integrated, it made it possible for more Puerto Ricans to play in the United States.

Puerto Rican Baseball Stars

More than 200 Puerto Ricans have played Major League Baseball, including the Roberto Clemente, who is considered a Puerto Rican national hero. Other baseball stars from Puerto Rico include Bernie Williams, Roberto Alomar and Orlando Cepeda.

References

• Professional Baseball League of Puerto Rico

Resources

• Puerto Rican Baseball Stars