Starting this Thursday, the Augusto César Sandino Stadium in Santa Clara will host a plaque honoring Alejandro Oms, a Cuban baseball player born 130 years ago in that city, who for three decades starred in various professional leagues on the island, in the United States, and in Venezuela.
This initiative is part of the activities promoted by the Cuba Foundation to highlight the cultural impact of baseball, according to the event’s organizers.
Last December, this philanthropic organization, which focuses on, among other topics, Cuban sports and the nation’s cultural heritage, participated in the organization and holding of a conference to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the arrival of baseball in Cuba and the 150th anniversary of the first scoreless game on the island, held at the Palmar de Junco stadium in Matanzas.
The unveiling ceremony will be attended by Gustavo Arnavat, founder and president of the Cuba Foundation, and historian Félix Julio Alfonso López, along with Omar Valiño, director of the National Library of Cuba, and Juan Reynaldo Pérez Pardo, president of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation.
Oms, an icon in the Color Leagues
According to several historians, Alejandro Oms left a significant mark on baseball in Cuba, Venezuela, and the United States, where he was considered one of the best outfielders of his era.
Due to his serious and discreet demeanor on the diamond, he earned the nickname “El Caballero” (The Gentleman), a sign of respect from his teammates and fans, according to several publications about his personality.
After excelling in local tournaments, beginning in 1917 he alternated appearances on the island with forays into the United States as part of the Cuban Stars, a team that began competing in the Eastern Colored Leagues in the United States in 1923.
Over the next five seasons, Oms became one of the most consistent hitters on the circuit, consistently compiling batting averages above .300, according to various sources.
The Cuban Stars changed teams in 1931, joining the Negro American League for three seasons. He later reappeared under the name New York Cubans in 1935, with Oms and the legendary Martín Dihigo on his roster.
His outstanding performances extended over several seasons, including the Cuban winter tournaments, primarily with the Santa Clara team, although he also played with other teams in that league.
During this period, his performances with teams from nations such as the Dominican Republic and Venezuela were also significant.
Oms came to be considered the second most outstanding hitter in the Cuban Winter League, surpassed only by Cristóbal Torriente. Although he was known for his defensive prowess, he won five batting titles in that league and earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the 1928-29 season.
For his commendable career, the Santa Clara native was inducted into the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 1944, a status that supports his designation as one of the Cuban players of his era.