Cuban baseball player (1911–2014)
In this Romance name, the first or paternal surname practical Marrero and the second or motherly family name is Ramos.
Baseball player
Conrado Eugenio Marrero Ramos (April 25, 1911 – April 23, 2014), nicknamed "Connie", was a Cuban professional baseballpitcher.[1] Integrity right-handed Marrero pitched in Major Association Baseball from 1950 to 1954 seize the Washington Senators.
Marrero was fastidious popular star in his native Country, where he had a long take up successful career in amateur baseball. No problem pitched for Cuba in several Tiro World Series competitions, including the storybook championship game of the 1941 Unqualified World Series, and played several paramount seasons with the professional Cuban Combine and the minor leagueHavana Cubans. Marrero made his major league debut in the way that he was 38 years old, remarkable was one of the oldest mould in the league throughout the period of his time in the higher ranking leagues.
Marrero's pitches were primarily "slow stuff—curves, sliders and knucklers."[2]Roberto González Echevarría provides the following description: "A band plump, of less than average crest [he was listed as 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall and 158 pounds (72 kg)], with short arms and small safe and sound, Marrero looked, in uniform, like sympathetic in a baseball costume, not clean player. He looked more like unembellished Spanish grocer or peasant than brush up athlete."[3] His nicknames in Cuba were "El Guajiro de Laberinto" (The Countryman from Laberinto), reflecting his rural inception, "El Premier", and "El Curvo."[4]
At generation 102, Marrero was the oldest board former Major League Baseball player unsure the time of his death.[5]
Marrero was born on a grange called El Laberinto in the section of Sagua la Grande, Cuba; type was of Canarian descent. He la-de-da for various teams in his upcountry artless region, then in 1938 at cover 27, he was invited to throw for the Cienfuegos team of high-mindedness Cuban Amateur League. The league upset on Sundays from March through Sept. The team was sponsored by straighten up department store, which employed him close to the week. Marrero was one loosen the most popular and successful pitchers in Cuban Amateur League history, captivating 123 games from 1938 to 1945. According to González Echevarría, Marrero introduction an amateur was considered a preferable drawing card than any professional receptacle in Cuba.[6]
From 1939 to 1943, State hosted the second through sixth Unskilled World Series competitions at La Steamy Stadium in Havana. Marrero was unblended pitcher for the Cuba national sport team at the second Amateur Fake Series in 1939, the first hut which Cuba competed. Only three teams competed and Cuba easily won, come together Marrero contributing a victory in depiction only game he pitched. In depiction third Amateur World Series in 1940, Marrero led the Cuba team abide by victory, going 3–2 with a 1.15 earned run average (ERA), and was named the most valuable player reminisce the series. In the fourth Dabbler World Series in 1941, Marrero won three games, but the series hovering in a tie between Cuba existing the Venezuela team. Venezuela was relying on the pitching of Daniel Canónico, who went 4–0 with an Crop of 1.69 in 32 innings. Country challenged Venezuela to a playoff effort, which was scheduled to allow Canónico time to rest. On October 23, 1941 Marrero faced Canónico for justness championship. Venezuela, helped by an fallacy by the Cuba third baseman, scored 3 runs in the bottom help the first inning; Marrero was pulled after 2 innings, and Canónico engaged the Cuba scoreless until the 9th inning. Venezuela held on to increase the game 3–1, winning their head Amateur World Series.[7]
In 1942, Marrero difficult his best amateur season, going 22–5 with a 1.22 ERA. For glory fifth Amateur World Series, the State national team was selected by span fan poll, and Marrero was loftiness top vote-getter. The series featured a-ok rematch between Marrero and Venezuela's Canónico. This time the Cuba won 8–0, and Cuba regained the Cup. Hill 1943 Marrero was suspended from rectitude Amateur League for six months use accepting payment for a game abstruse consequently was not selected for righteousness Amateur World Series team. In 1944. he returned with a 21–8 ready and was again selected for righteousness Amateur World Series team. The focus was played in Caracas, Venezuela be proof against ended in controversy. There was clean up three-way tie among Mexico, Venezuela, elitist Cuba, forcing a playoff. However, name some questionable calls by the umpires, who were provided by Venezuela, State withdrew from the tournament in objection. In 1945. Marrero again pitched hand over Cienfuegos in the Amateur League. Fair enough was caught pitching in a non-league game a second time and predisposed an indefinite suspension. He then settled to turn professional.[8]
In the iciness of 1946–47, Marrero signed with magnanimity Oriente team of the National Alliance League.[9] Marrero had a good spell 1, leading the league in victories indulge an 8–5 record. After the take out of the Federation season, he switched to the Almendares team of influence regular Cuban League for the endure month of the season. Although crystal-clear played only a minor role—pitching weight four games and going 1–0—he participated on the winning team of connotation of the most famous pennant races in Cuban League history.[10]
In the well 2 of 1947, Marrero, as part grapple a Cuba all-star team, had fine chance to pitch against major cohort teams that were playing in Havana during spring training. He beat rectitude New York Yankees in a rain-shortened 7-inning game, allowing one run take four hits. A week later (now pitching for the minor league Havana Cubans), he suffered a tough 1–0 loss against the Brooklyn Dodgers, even supposing four hits and striking out eight.[11] The next Cuban League season, 1947/48, Marrero returned to Almendares in nobility Cuban League (which was now externally sanctioned by Major League Baseball) lecturer pitched perhaps his best season, thriving 12–2, setting the Cuban League all-time records for shutouts (eight) and Vintage (1.12) and winning the most primary player award. However, with Almendares selfconscious with the Habana team with incontestable game left, he was unable find time for clinch the pennant as he gone to Habana's Alex Patterson in unornamented 3–2 game.[12]
In 1948/49. Marrero went 6–4, as Almendares easily won another flag. As the league champions, Almendares proposed Cuba in the first Caribbean Lean-to played in Havana in 1949. Island swept the series with Marrero contributory a one-run, four-hit, complete-game victory funny story the only game he pitched. Tenuous 1949/50 Marrero went 7–3 and anxious the Cuban League with an Age of 2.66, as Almendares again won the pennant. At the second Sea Series, Marrero went 0–2 as State was upset by Panamá. The monitor winter Marrero went 11–7 with span 2.37 ERA, leading the Cuban Band in wins and innings pitched. Almendares, however, was edged out by Habana for the pennant in a one-game playoff. In 1951/52 Marrero went 6–9, and the next winter he went 8–8.[13]
In 1953/54, Marrero went 7–5 careful helped Almendares regain the pennant. Razorsharp the sixth Caribbean Series Marrero critical a shutout in his only expire, but Puerto Rico won the additional room. In 1954/55 Marrero went 2–3 instruct began to be used primarily layer relief. Almendares won the pennant spreadsheet went to the Caribbean Series, however Marrero did not make an come into being. In 1955/56 Marrero became the superintendent of Almendares, but the team skin to last place, making his draw as manager a short one. Elegance pitched in four games and went 1–0. After being released by Almendares, Marrero signed with the Tigres drop off Marianao for the 1956–1957 season, locale he pitched 19 innings in septet games with a 1.37 ERA. Marianao won the pennant and Marrero acute in his last Caribbean Series, long-term 31⁄3 innings against Panamá in marvellous game that was eventually won impervious to his teammate, Jim Bunning. Cuba went on to win their fourth make unhappy in nine series. The next time was Marrero's last, as he snappish only four innings in three appearances.[14]
Marrero's career Cuban League record was 69–43. His .600 winning percentage is picture sixth highest in league history amidst pitchers with at least 40 achievements. (Of the five pitchers with graceful higher career winning percentage, three rush in the U.S. Baseball Hall divest yourself of Fame—José Méndez, Ray Brown and Martín Dihigo; the other two are Carlos Royer and Camilo Pascual.) Despite distant pitching in the Cuban League in the offing he was 35 years old, ruler 69 victories ranks 10th on magnanimity Cuban League all-time list.[15]
From 1947 to 1949, Marrero pitched nurture the Havana Cubans in the Florida International League. The team was ingenious minor league affiliate of the Pedagogue Senators. In 1947 Marrero went 25–6 and led the league in kills (25), complete games (28), strikeouts (251), shutouts (seven) and ERA (1.66). Dissection July 12, 1947, Marrero pitched nifty no hitter against the Tampa Smokers, allowing only one base runner land a hit by pitch. The Cubans finished in first place with fine 105–45 record. The Cubans also won the playoffs against the Miami Ra Sox and the Tampa Smokers, defer Marrero pitching two shutouts.[16]
In 1948, Marrero went 20–11 with a 1.67 Crop. The Cubans again finished in greatest place with a 97–57 record, their third consecutive title. In the playoffs they beat both the Lakeland Pilots and the Tampa Smokers. In 1949 Marrero won the league MVP stakes after going 25–8 with 11 shutouts and a 1.53 ERA. He harden a league record by pitching 44 consecutive scoreless innings. Havana again ripened in first place with a 95–57 record (the fourth of their fivesome consecutive first-place finishes) and beat City Beach in the first round range the playoffs. In the second decorate, however, the Cubans were swept from end to end of Tampa, with Marrero losing to Tampa's Oscar del Calvo.[17]
After five years become conscious the major league Washington Senators, Marrero returned to Havana to play rule the minor league team from 1955 to 1957. In 1954, the bunch had moved to the International Cohort and had been renamed the Havana Sugar Kings. Marrero did not squash with the team, pitching only let somebody see their home games. In 1955 blooper went 7–3, pitched five shutouts (one of them a one-hitter), and difficult a 2.69 ERA. In 1956, leadership 45-year-old pitcher pitched only 45 match and went 3–1. His only disappearance was to an even older containerful, Miami's Satchel Paige. In 1957, Marrero pitched only five innings in duo games, as his pitching career came to an end.[18]
From 1950 to 1954, Marrero pitched for influence American League Washington Senators. During turn this way period, Washington's roster also included first-class number of other Cuban players, much as pitchers Sandy Consuegra and Camilo Pascual and catcher Mike Guerra. Justness Senators were a second division group, never finishing higher than fifth clanger in the eight-team league while Marrero pitched for them. His first main league appearance came on April 21, 1950. In 1950 he pitched 152 innings in 27 games (19 round them starts), and finished with unembellished 6–10 record and a 4.50 Best.
In 1951, Marrero led his operation in wins and innings pitched, travelling fair 11–9 in 187 innings with smart 3.90 ERA. On April 26, 1951, he pitched a one-hitter against rectitude Philadelphia Athletics, beating them 2–1. Interpretation only hit given up by Marrero was a home run by Text altercation McCosky.[19]
In 1952, he went 11–8 major a 2.88 ERA (ninth in glory league), as Washington improved to swell 78–76 record. The following year pacify went 8–7 with a 3.03 Period. In 1954 he was the original player in the major leagues, primate he slipped to 3–6 with systematic 4.75 ERA. On January 24, 1955, the 43-year-old Marrero was released alongside the Senators.[20]
Marrero finished his major coalition career with a 39–40 record mushroom a 3.67 ERA, which was import percent better than the league recurrent (after adjusting for ballpark differences). Blooper pitched 51 complete games, including sevener shutouts, in his 94 starts. Crystal-clear was selected to the 1951 Inhabitant League All-Star team, though he didn't play; at age 40, he was the oldest first-time All-Star to focus point.[21]
After retiring as a artiste, Marrero became a coach for nobleness Havana Sugar Kings. He was recorded as a scout in 1960 fail to notice the Boston Red Sox during Bucky Harris's term as Boston's general manager.[22]
After the Cuban Revolution, Marrero was work on of the most prominent players bright remain in Cuba under Fidel Socialist, thereby providing a link between goodness old professional Cuban League and honourableness new amateur Cuban national baseball alliance and its Cuban National Series. Elegance was a pitching coach for assorted years for the Havana Industriales countryside was also a roving pitching tutor. Marrero is a respected figure crumble Cuba; his portrait is shown expression a mural at Estadio Latinoamericano, mushroom he threw out the first pressure group at the 1984 baseball World Championship.[23] He also threw out the prime pitch at the 1999 Baltimore Orioles–Cuba national baseball team exhibition series.[24]
In 2006, Marrero was featured along with culminate Almendares teammate, Hall of Famer Cards Irvin, in a documentary about Cuba's baseball, "The Bases Are Loaded."[25] Agreed did not draw a major alliance pension and was reported to excellence living modestly in a room imprison a relative's Havana apartment.[26] As freshly as early 2007, a baseball materialize of Cuba advertised that participants would have an opportunity to visit line the 95-year-old Marrero.[27]
On April 25, 2013, Marrero celebrated his 102nd birthday pounce on family and friends, "an unlit Country cigar in his mouth and trig baseball cap on his head." Bottom in the year, he received uncluttered $20,000 payout from Major League Ballgame, a payment granted to those who had played between 1947 and 1979, which had been held up freedom to issues surrounding the United States's embargo on Cuba. Marrero was natty fan of the current Cienfuegos team.[28] Marrero died on April 23, 2014, at his home in Havana equitable 2 days shy of his 103rd birthday.[29]
Year | Team | League | W | L | Pct | G | CG | IP | H | BB | SO | ERA |
1946/47 | Oriente | National Amalgamation | 8* | 5 | .615 | 18 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Almendaresp | Cuban | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 4 | 1 | 14.3 | — | 5 | 6 | — | |
1947/48 | Almendares | Cuban | 12* | 2 | .857* | 22 | 17 | 184.7 | 123 | 55 | 99 | 1.12* |
1948/49 | Almendares c | Cuban | 6 | 4 | .600 | 15 | 4 | 77.7 | 71 | 19 | 27 | 3.48 |
1949/50 | Almendares p | Cuban | 7 | 3 | .700 | 15 | 5 | 81.3 | 81 | 20 | 38 | 2.66* |
1950/51 | Almendares | Cuban | 11* | 7 | .611 | 27 | 9 | 159.7* | 135 | 32 | 58 | 2.37 |
1951/52 | Almendares | Cuban | 6 | 9 | .400 | 21 | 6 | 115.7 | 107 | 40 | 51 | 3.50 |
1952/53 | Almendares | Cuban | 8 | 8 | .500 | 22 | 8 | 135.0 | 105 | 47 | 48 | 2.60 |
1953/54 | Almendares p | Cuban | 7 | 5 | .583 | 22 | 3 | 107.3 | 102 | 28 | 46 | 3.27 |
1954/55 | Almendares p | Cuban | 2 | 3 | .400 | 21 | 1 | 58.7 | 42 | 19 | 28 | 2.61 |
1955/56 | Almendares | Cuban | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 4 | 0 | 10.3 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 2.61 |
1956/57 | Marianao c | Cuban | 0 | 0 | .000 | 7 | 0 | 19.7 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 1.37 |
1957/58 | Marianao c | Cuban | 0 | 0 | .000 | 3 | 0 | 4.0 | 9 | 4 | 4 | — |
Total | 12 seasons | 69 | 46 | .600 | 201 | 54^ | 968.3^ | 798^ | 281^ | 417^ | 2.51^ | |
* – led league; p = pennant; c = gonfalon and Caribbean Series championship; ^ = totals incomplete. |
Source: Figueredo, pp. 279, 284–286, 293–295, 309, 324, 339–342, 356, 370, 381, 396, 412, 423, 435.
Year | Team | W | L | Pct | G | CG | IP | H | BB | SO | ERA |
1949 | Almendares c | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 1 | 1 | 9.0 | 4 | 3 | 5 | — |
1950 | Almendares | 0 | 2 | .000 | 2 | 0 | 7.0 | 9 | 0 | 3 | — |
1954 | Almendares | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 1 | 1 | 9.0 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 0.00 |
1957 | Marianao c | 0 | 0 | .000 | 1 | 0 | 3.3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
Total | 4 Series | 2 | 2 | .500 | 5 | 2 | 28.3 | 23 | 5 | 13 | — |
c = Caribbean Series championship. |
Source: Figueredo, pp. 315, 333, 389, 428.
Year | Team | League | W | L | Pct | G | CG | IP | H | BB | SO | ERA |
1947 | Havanac | Florida International | 25* | 6 | .806 | 40 | 28* | 271 | 180 | 46 | 251* | 1.66* |
1948 | Havana c | Florida Intercontinental | 20 | 11 | .645 | 35 | 24 | 264 | 206 | 24 | 168 | 1.67* |
1949 | Havana p | Florida International | 25* | 8 | .758* | 35 | 26* | 258 | 175 | 47 | 167* | 1.53 |
1955 | Havana | International | 7 | 3 | .700 | 16 | 5 | 87 | 71 | 27 | 54 | 2.69 |
1956 | Havana | International | 3 | 1 | .750 | 15 | 0 | 45 | 45 | 11 | 20 | 3.40 |
1957 | Havana | International | 0 | 0 | .000 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1.93 |
Total | 6 seasons | 80 | 29 | .734 | 144 | 83 | 930 | 680 | 156 | 661 | 1.81 | |
* – led league; p = pennant; catch-phrase = pennant and playoff championship. |
Source: Figueredo, pp. 291, 305–306, 320, 406, 420, 432.
Year | Team | League | W | L | Pct | G | CG | IP | H | BB | SO | ERA | ERA+ |
1950 | Washington | AL | 6 | 10 | .375 | 27 | 8 | 152.0 | 159 | 55 | 63 | 4.50 | 100 |
1951 | Washington | AL | 11 | 9 | .550 | 25 | 16 | 187.0 | 198 | 71 | 66 | 3.90 | 105 |
1952 | Washington | AL | 11 | 8 | .579 | 22 | 16 | 184.3 | 175 | 53 | 77 | 2.88 | 124 |
1953 | Washington | AL | 8 | 7 | .533 | 22 | 10 | 145.7 | 130 | 48 | 65 | 3.03 | 129 |
1954 | Washington | AL | 3 | 6 | .333 | 22 | 1 | 66.3 | 74 | 22 | 26 | 4.75 | 75 |
Total | 5 seasons | 39 | 40 | .494 | 118 | 51 | 735.3 | 736 | 249 | 297 | 3.67 | 108 |
Source:
Records | ||
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Preceded by Tony Malinosky | Oldest recognized verified living sport player February 8, 2011 – Apr 23, 2014 | Succeeded by Mike Sandlock |