Team Cuba Death by 150 Paper Cuts is an article I originally wrote in March of 2017 in response to Cuba’s ouster from the the World Baseball Classic. It was originally for my Facebook page “Phil In The Blanks: Cuba… Continue Reading
When Jackie Robinson was named the starting first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947 he became the first black player in the Major Leagues. Brooklyn executive Branch Rickey set out to circumvent the unwritten edict preventing African-American… Continue Reading
I recently appeared on the Tigers Radio Podcast to discuss Cuban baseball at large. We did discuss a few connections between Detroit and Cuba but didn’t go full bore on Cubanos that have played in the D. It got me… Continue Reading
Cuba ended segregation in 1900. The small Caribbean island was more progressive than most of it’s neighbours. Cubad still lagged in integrating blacks into society except on the baseball diamond. Cuba forged early bonds with the American Negro Leagues. This… Continue Reading
Don Zimmer spent 65 years and eight decades in professional baseball. His routes are so deep he played with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He actually played 12 major league seasons and even one season in Japan. This was before he moved… Continue Reading
Playoff Magazine is an upstart Spanish Language chronicle exploring all aspects of Cuban sport. They recently featured Cubadugout and my photographic journey on the island. You can download their June edition HERE. But here is a little sneak peek at… Continue Reading
Cuba recently declared baseball a National Cultural Heritage. Already considered the countries National sport, the designation acknowledges the games importance as sport but to the spirit and psyche of Cuba and its people as well. The ceremony was held in… Continue Reading
I have to admit that I struggle to truly define Cubadugout. It has grown over the past decade. Starting as a collection of photos to now video profiles and unique insight on all things Cuban baseball. This mirrors the grander… Continue Reading
Holding the title of president seems to be inherently polarizing. Higinio Veléz held the title of president of the Cuban baseball federation from 2008 until his passing May 12th, 2021. Veléz was definitely polarizing. I met Higinio in passing multiple… Continue Reading
The inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 looks like a text book case of unintended consequences for Cuba. Cuba finished 2nd to Japan in a hotly contested tournament. Even as the runner up, it cemented their status as a World… Continue Reading