The rich history of baseball in Cuba can never be separated from its origins in the United States, from where in 1864 the brothers Nemesio and Ernesto Guillot returned, bringing with them a passion for a game that would become the national sport and a Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
The passage of time and numerous events turned baseball into a symbol of identity for both nations, which, beyond the sporting realm, became an inseparable part of their cultural heritage.
It is upon this magnificent legacy that the new invitation is based: from today until December 12, to revisit pivotal moments as well as the careers of legendary figures whose impact still endures in the collective imagination.
If last year’s event celebrated the 160th anniversary of baseball’s arrival in Cuba, this time the Cuba Foundation is organizing the event “History and Culture of Baseball. Cuba–Caribbean–United States. Identity, Society, Culture” to bring together in Havana and Santa Clara distinguished historians and specialists from various countries, who will discuss topics related to the history of the game and its impact in the region.
The Cuba Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in New York that “connects donors, experts, and volunteers with legal (under U.S. and Cuban law) and ethical projects that promote the development of Cuba’s private sector in five focus areas, including cultural heritage and sports.”
The gathering will focus on exploring how this sport has influenced identity, memory, and the cultural life of several nations. To this end, it will feature an intensive program that includes educational talks, special tours, and tributes, including one to the influential philanthropist Marta Abreu, a true symbol of the central province.
Interesting presentations are part of the event’s activities, including the proposal by historian Félix Julio Alfonso on the emblematic team Leopardos de Santa Clara. Also notable are others that explore the careers of Alejandro Oms, Cristóbal Torriente, and Cándido Salazar, figures who shone in the United States Negro Leagues.
A special moment will be the presentation by Maureen Taylor Hicks, daughter of American Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, who played alongside several of these players as part of the Cuban New York team in 1935 and the Leopardos de Santa Clara in 1938–1939, according to a report published by the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).
There will also be an opportunity for discussion, led by Mexican César González, about the role played by his country and Cuba in racial integration in Major League Baseball in the United States.
Another presentation of interest, prepared by Felipe Merlano, will focus on the influence of baseball on the identity and cultural heritage of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, specifically in the city of Cartagena de Indias.
Among the event’s activities, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque stands out, dedicated to African American players such as Josh Gibson and Ray Brown, who also wore the colors of the Leopardos de Santa Clara. The plaque will be placed in front of the former La Boulanger Park.
As a finale, participants and guests will be able to enjoy a baseball game between youth teams, a way to celebrate the shared tradition surrounding this sport in the region.
