All-Latino baseball team: The best all-time lineup of players born in Cuba
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, USA TODAY Sports put together All-Latino baseball lineups from throughout Latin America.
The tradition of professional baseball in Cuba dates back to 1878, two years after the National League was founded.
For decades, Havana hosted winter baseball, barnstorming Negro league teams and MLB spring training games — and Havana was home to two minor league teams.
But Cuba's winter league folded in 1961 in the aftermath of Fidel Castro's Communist revolution, isolating most of the island's talent for decades until players began defecting in large numbers in the 1990s.
So, putting together Cuba's all-time baseball lineup requires considering players from a variety of very different eras and circumstances: Cubans in the majors, winter ball stars, Cuban National Team players and defectors.
Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.
LINKS: Dominican Republic | Venezuela | Puerto Rico | Mexico | Panama | Rest of Latin America
Here are the players who made the cut:
Catcher: Yasmani Grandal, 2012-present
First base: Tony Pérez, 1964-86 (Hall of Fame)
Second base: Tony Taylor, 1958-76
Third base: Omar Linares, 1985-2002 (played in Cuba)
Shortstop: Bert Campaneris, 1964-83
Outfield: Tony Oliva, 1962-76
Outfield: Cristóbal Torriente, 1920-32 (Hall of Fame, played in Negro leagues)
Outfield: Orestes "Minnie" Miñoso, 1946-64, 1976, 1980
Designated hitter: Rafael Palmeiro, 1986-2005
Utility: Martín Dihigo, 1923-45 (Hall of Fame, played in Negro leagues)
Starting pitcher: Luis Tiant, 1964-82
Starting pitcher: Adolfo Luque, 1914-35
Starting pitcher: Mike Cuellar, 1959-77
Closer: Aroldis Chapman, 2010-present
Cesar Brioso is author of "Havana Hardball" and "Last Seasons in Havana."