On this day in 1878, professional baseball started in Cuba.
The first game was between Habana and Almendares, the two teams that would be great rivals until Castro dissolved the league after the 1960-61 season.
The league had four teams in the 1950s: Habana, Almendares, Marianao, and Cienfuegos.
It was great and very passionate baseball.
Along the way, many major leaguers played winter ball in Cuba, from Willie Mays to Brooks Robinson.
During the summer, Havana was also a AAA franchise, the Havana Sugar Kings in the Cincinnati organization. Havana played in The International League with other teams in Montreal and Toronto.
For more on Cuban baseball history, check out "The pride of Havana".
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