Reflecting on the Influence and Impact of Latinos in the National Pastime

Since the latter part of the 19th century, Latinos have played a major role in shaping America’s game, baseball. Within those years, the influence of the National Pastime spread, primarily in Cuba and rose to such importance that the sport became a genuine part of their culture. The Caribbean nation grew many players who eventually made their way north of the border to the United States. In the ensuing decades, Latinos from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, in addition to Cuba, would figure prominently on the rosters of Major League clubs.

Latinos later found themselves on the fields playing for Negro League teams, as well as in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The influence and impact of Latinos in baseball are profoundly felt from the 1960s to today’s game, where over one-third of Major League rosters are players from Latin America.

Anthony Salazar chairs the Latino baseball committee for the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), and has written many articles, book chapters and online pieces for various publications on the Latino baseball experience. He has also consulted with documentary companies, baseball organizations and museums looking to tap into the Latino baseball market.

Salazar holds degrees in American Social and Urban History from the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of Oregon. He and his family reside in Seattle, Washington.