Baseball was first
introduced to Cuba in 1860s by students who returned from the US and also from
Western sailors docked in the nation. It quickly became popular and was spread
widely.
In 1878, the Cuban
League was established composed of 3 teams — Mantanzas, Habana, and Almendares
— each playing 4 games. At first, players were all whites and amateurs but
professionalism soon emerged as rivalry among teams strengthen.
The Cuban Revolution
in 1959 resulted significant changes that reached the sports community.
Baseball was chosen as the sport that symbolizes Cuba’s nationalism after the
revolution. (Since the 19th century, baseball has already served as a symbol of
Cuban pride.)
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