Worcester Sparks Cuba’s Influence in Major League Baseball
Friday, December 05, 2014
Bancroft's Worcester team were known as the 'Hop Bitters' when they arrived in Cuba. At the time the name was associated with a team in Rochester, New York, however it was comprised of Worcester ballplayers of that were heading to the National League the following year.
Worcester Makes History From Both Sides
The 'Ruby Legs' would only last three seasons in the National League, finishing with a total record of 90-159. However, in it's Inagural National League Season, Worcester would set two groundbreaking records for Major League Baseball.
On June 12, 1880, pitcher Lee Richmond threw the first perfect game in Major League history, against the Cleveland Blues. Two months later, the Ruby Legs made history again on August 20 by becoming the first team to be no-hit at home, when they were beat at home by pitcher Pud Galvin of the Buffalo Bisons.
Also in 1880, the Worcester team would be instrumental in the removal of the Cincinatti Reds from the National League for reporting the Reds on violation of selling beers at Reds Stadium which was a violation of league rules. After the 1882 season, the Reds would return as the Ruby Legs were on their way out.
In 1882, Worcester would also be home to first ever 'two-for-one' double-header in Major League History. These games were played at the Driving Park Grounds.
Following the 1882 season, Worcester was removed from the National League due to lack of attendance. Needing an eighth team to play in the National League, members of the Worcester franchise moved to Philadelphia to become the Philadelphia Quakers. Today, that same franchise is the Philadelphia Phillies.
Cubans in Baseball
In 2012, the CAN-AM Worcester Tornadoes franchise shut down. In their final season, former MLB slugger Jose Canseco had only a celebrity impact on the team, after suing the team for not being paid. However, Canseco, from Cuba was the first ever foreign-born player to reach 400 home runs.
Last month, the Arizona Diamondbacks reached agreement on a six-year, $68.5MM deal with Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas. This agreement falls just short of the Boston Red Sox deal with Rusney Castillo this summer for seven years and $72.5 million. Castillo projects to be the Red Sox centerfielder in 2015.
Related Slideshow: The History of Baseball in Central Massachusetts
Baseball and Central Mass. go way back - to the 1860s. The local historical landmarks range from Mudville to Hotel Vernon to Fitton Field. A version of these highlights is posted on the site of the new, yet-to-be-formally-named Worcester Baseballteam of the three-year-old Futures Collegiate Baseball League.
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