Clemente continued what Robinson started
On Roberto Clemente Day, which coincides with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S., we remember Clemente’s altruism and his athletic prowess. But there’s another element of Clemente’s legacy that deserves acknowledgment on this day, and it is the way he stood up to bigotry and racism throughout his career in the hopes that those who came after him wouldn’t have to.
(Sept. 15, 2021)
The game that changed baseball
On Sept. 1, 1971, in front of a crowd of 11,278, the Pirates fielded a lineup composed entirely of Black and Afro-Latino players.It is believed to be the first all-minority starting nine in AL/NL history.
(Sept. 1, 2021)
Mets prospect Álvarez ‘impressive to watch’
Power-hitting catchers are a rare breed. The Mets have reason to believe they’ve found one in Francisco Álvarez.
(May 20, 2021)
He braved ocean, sharks to search for Clemente
On Jan. 4, 1973, mourners piled into Iglesia San Fernando in Carolina, Puerto Rico, for a memorial service in honor of Roberto Clemente. The 38-year-old All-Star outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates had perished in a plane crash four days earlier, upending New Year’s festivities across the island.
(April 16, 2020)
Beltrán hears call of the dugout, but which one?
Carlos Beltrán wants to manage in the Major Leagues, and he’s not being coy about it.
(Oct. 22, 2019)
Tribe’s Santana became a force because of this
A piece of wisdom that Indians assistant hitting coach Victor Rodriguez picked up from retired slugger David Ortiz has helped one of Rodriguez’s current charges, veteran first baseman Carlos Santana put together the best offensive season of his career.
(Aug. 28, 2019)
Dominican heritage important to Britton
Zack Britton grew up eating concon, as the crispy layer at the bottom of a pot of cooked rice is known in the Dominican Republic. He irked some of his Dominican relatives by taking the raisins out of his empanadas — meat-filled turnovers that are ubiquitous throughout Latin America. And he shared a bond with his Dominican great-grandmother, even though she spoke only Spanish and he spoke only English.
(Aug. 9, 2019)
Rojas helping Mets digest data in latest role
As a result of a paperwork glitch that happened more than 60 years ago, you can’t tell by his name alone that Mets quality control coach Luis Rojas is carrying on the legacy of one of the Dominican Republic’s most distinguished baseball families.
(July 2, 2019)
Ramos relives harrowing kidnapping experience
Some years, it’s with champagne, straight out of the bottle. Other years call for cocktails. One way or another, Mets catcher Wilson Ramos makes it a point to celebrate every 11th of November “like a birthday.”
(May 22, 2019)
Gurriels are first family of Cuban baseball
The way Lourdes Gurriel Sr. introduces himself these days — “I’m the father of three beautiful sons: Yunieski Gurriel, Yulieski Gurriel and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.” — belies the exploits of a figure known in his homeland as El Hombre de los Grandes Momentos.
(Jan. 5, 2019)
Cora thrilled to represent Latinos, PR in MLB
On the eve of the American League Championship Series opener, Red Sox skipper Alex Cora sat in his office at Fenway Park and reflected on his position as a Latin-born Major League manager.
(Oct. 16, 2018)
Fierce passion, prep helping J.D. thrive with Sox
In his first season as a member of the Red Sox, J.D. Martinez seemed immune to the pressures of playing in Boston — the high expectations and intense media scrutiny — that have foiled newcomers before him.
(Oct. 13, 2018)
Vazquez emerging as offensive threat
With two years marred by Tommy John surgery and its aftermath now in the rearview mirror, Christian Vazquez has re-established himself as a viable starting catcher with the Red Sox. And beyond his reliable defense, he’s putting together a breakout offensive year.
(June 7, 2017)
2016 Latino Hall of Fame inductees express gratitude
A catcher with 13 Gold Gloves under his belt, a four-time World Series champion right-hander known for his trademark high leg kick and the Major League record holder for career pitching appearances are among the newest members of the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame.
(Aug. 21, 2015)