José Fernández, Ten Years On: The Cuban Story
Ten years after his death, the Cuban half of the José Fernández story: Santa Clara, four crossings, a year in prison at fifteen, and the number the Marlins never actually retired. Continue Reading
Cuban Baseball History
Team Cuba Death by 150 Paper Cuts
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
Jackie Robinson in Cuba
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
All-Time Cuban Detroit Tigers
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
Santa Clara Leopardos: Greatest Team Ever
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 Cuban Baseball Legend
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
Cuba Dugout Featured in Playoff Magazine
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
The Cradle of Cuban Baseball
Cuba recently declared baseball a National Cultural Heritage. Already considered the country’s national sport, the designation acknowledges the game’s importance as sport but to the spirit and psyche of Cuba and its people as well. The ceremony was held in… Continue Reading
Pelota Cubana Profiles Cubadugout
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
Higinio Vélez 1947-2021 Cuban Baseball President
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