Books and articles about Fidel Castro

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Castro was a star pitcher at Belen College and the University of Havana in Cuba and attracted the attention of several ML scouts with his wicked curveball. He turned down a $5,000 bonus from the Giants to pursue his law degree, and after graduating became a leader of Cuba's revolutionary movement. Although he never actually pitched in winter ball as is often claimed, he did once pitch to Don Hoak briefly during a game before being ejected from the ballpark. (SCL)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » April 23, 1959: After a conference with Fidel Castro, Havana club president Bobby Maduro says the team will stay in Cuba despite the political unrest. » July 24, 1959: As a prelude to the IL game between the Havana Sugar Kings and visiting Rochester Red Wings, Fidel Castro pitches two innings for his pickup team Los Barbudos against a Military Police squad. Castro pitches both innings, strikes out two batters with the aid of some friendly calls, and ground outs to short. This well-photographed event is El Jefe's only mound appearance, according to Cuban expert Pete Bjarkman. » July 25, 1959: Fidel Castro supporters, enjoying a raucous July 26th Celebration in La Gran Stadium in downtown Havana, bring a halt to the IL contest between the Red Wings and the Sugar Kings with random gunshots from the grandstand. Red Wings 3B coach Frank Verdi and Havana SS Leo Cardenas both suffer minor flesh wounds, which causes manager Cot Deal to pull his players from the field and retreat to their hotel. League officials cancel the remainder of the Havana team's homestand, and, with pressure on Ford Frick from U.S. Secretary of State Christian Herter, eventually relocate the franchise to Newark for the 1960 season. » July 8, 1960: The Cuban revolution led by Fidel Castro brings an end to Havana's International League team. The Sugar Kings relocate in Jersey City, marking that city's return to the IL after a 10-year absence. Poor attendance at Roosevelt Stadium prompts the parent Reds to cease the minor-league operation there following the 1960 season.