Carlos Bernier was an outfielder for the 1953 Pirates and the first player from Puerto Rico to play for the team. Four Black Baseball Players Who Followed Jackie Robinson's - History The Puerto Rico native opened the door, but it took a while for many to join him. Though his grades did not put him near the top of his class, he was very well-behaved in the classroom. While Roberto Clementes Hall of Fame playing career brought him the glory of world championships in 1960 and 1971, a cache of four National League batting titles and a 1966 MVP Award, his early life growing up in Puerto Rico was not so glamorous. A trip to Cooperstown has something for baseball fans and everyone else. We take enormous pride in it.. Latin American Stars Who Could Soon Join Growing Group In Baseball Hall As the keepers of the Games history, the Hall of Fame helps you relive your memories and celebrate baseball history. The first Puerto Rican to star in the Negro leagues, Millito played forthe Cuban Stars in 1928 and 1929. Carmelo Anthony. His performance during his playing career with the Blue Jays, which included 336 career home runs, landed him in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. . Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the former Pittsburgh Pirate amassed 3,000 career hits and 240 home runs. For years, it was considered that the first player from Puerto Rico to play in the major leagues was Hiram Bithorn. Luis Rodrguez Olmo came right after Bithorn, debuting the following season on July 18, 1943 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. exhibit), Clemente had officially launched his professional career. He was also one of the world's best known and remembered humanitarians. And what a tradition he's established one that's heavy on great hitters and defenders (featuring five Hall of Famers), but a little light on pitchers. Carlos Correa Houston Astros & Minnesota Twins, 10. The first sanctioned baseball game in the island was played on January 9, 1898, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, where two teams composed of Puerto Rican, American and Cuban players participated. Americas Alomar racked up a career .273 batting average over 4,865 career at-bats while picking up 1,236 hits, 249 doubles, 112 home runs, and 588 runs batted in. MLB to allow more to wear Clemente's No. 21 - ESPN This includes players who were born in either one of the archipelago's islands and those of Puerto Rican heritage. Featured Image:Milo Stewart Jr. / National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved, Milo Stewart Jr. / National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Cuban-American executive enshrined in the Hall of Fame, Cepeda stood resolute in his refusal to come to the States. Vladimir Guerrero, Dominican Republic (2018, second ballot): One of the most distinctive and dynamic players of his era, Guerrero raked his way to Cooperstown.