Negro Leagues DB Update: 1913-14 AND 1914-15 Cuban National League

The addition of the 1913/14 and 1914/15 Cuban National (Winter) Leagues now gives us a complete run of the Cuban Winter Leagues from 1902/03 thru 1914/15. This was a time period when many of the top Negro League players played in Cuba during the winter. During this same time, several Cuban teams would play against black ball teams in the U.S. during the summer.

In 1913/14, Almendares was champion for the sixth time in eleven winter seasons. The Almendares club was lead by two superstars, 20 year old rightfielder Cristóbal Torriente and pitcher José Méndez, who went 10-0 in the league. Veteran major leaguer left fielder Armando Marsans and number two pitcher/hitter Eustaquio Pedroso (.471 OBP!) also made major contributions.

Other players having strong seasons included Cuban Hall of Famer Pelayo Chacón, catcher Mike González (about to have his rookie season with the Cincinnati Reds), and 23 year old pitcher Dolph Luque.

1914/15 saw the Habana Club edge Almendares by just a half-game for the championship, even though Almendares was first in both runs scored and runs allowed.

Stars of the 1914-15 winter season included:

P/Hitter Eustaquio Pedroso (possibly the league MVP)

Cristóbal Torriente (as usual)

Major Leaguer and Cuban Hall of Famer Jack Calvo

Major Leaguer and Cuban Hall of Famer (and only EIGHTEEN years old) Merito Acosta

Major Leaguer and Cuban Hall of Famer Rafael Almeida

Armando Marsans again

Mike González again

Pitcher Pastor Pareda

and Cuban Hall of Fame catcher Gervasio González