Check out Lou Hernandez’ latest book “Memories of Winter Ball: Interviews with Players in the Latin American Winter Leagues of the 1950s.” He interviewed dozens of former major league players, who participated in the winter leagues of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

Visit the links below for the latest news on ballplayers of Cuban Heritage in all baseball leagues. For important news from previous years and a historical perspective see the Cuban baseball Timeline.

5/20/2013 Matt Dominguez went 2 for 4 with a 3 run HR for the Astros.

5/19/2013 Orioles recalled Danny Valencia from Norfolk Tides.

5/18/2013 Bronson Arroyo allowed no runs in 7.2 innings in win for Reds.

5/17/2013 Jorge Soler went 7 for 10 with a HR in double header for the Daytona Cubs. Pirates placed Jose Contreras on the bereavement list. Phillies optioned Raul Valdes to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

5/16/2013 Paco Rodriguez takes on key role in Dodger bullpen.

5/15/2013 Aroldis Chapman picks up 3rd save for the Reds. Raul Ibañez hits two HRs and drives in 6 for the Mariners. Nolan Arenado showing strong defense. Yasmani Grandal eligible to return to AAA on Saturday.

5/14/2013 Jorge Soler named Florida State League Offensive Player of the week. Yoenis Cespedes back in lineup after stomach illness.

5/13/2013 Yoenis Cespedes homers then leaves game with upset stomach. Yasiel Puig has chance to develop into a complete player.

5/11/2013 Yoenis Cespedes’ Strikeout numbers are up. Raul Ibañez is taking advantage of limited plate appearances. Alex Avila drives in two runs with double on 3-0 pitch for Tigers. Los Angels selected the contract of RHP Robert Coello from Salt Lake Bees.

5/10/2013 Jose Fernandez allows 3 runs and strikes out 7 in 6 innings in win for Marlins. White Sox activated LF Dayan Viciedo from the 15-day DL.

5/8/2013 Nolan Arenado takes advantage of opportunity after disappointment last year. Adeiny Hechavarria to bat leadoff for Marlins. Jorge Soler went 3 for 4 with a HR and 2 RBIs for the Daytona Cubs.

5/6/2013 J. P. Arencibia went 2 for 3 with game winning 2-run HR.  White Sox sent Dayan Viciedo on a rehab assignment to Charlotte Knights. Astros activated J.D. Martinez from the 15-day DL. Nick Castellanos learning in Triple-A.

5/5/2013 Adeiny Hechavarria went 2 for 4 with a grand slam, triple, and 7 RBIs. Gio Gonzalez allows 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings for win. Aroldis Chapman is maintaining a positive attitude.

5/4/2013 Jose Fernandez allows no runs on 1 hit and strikes out 9 in 7 innings in win for Marlins. Yunel Escobar is day to day after being hit by pitch in the hand. Dayan Viciedo to go on rehab assignment soon. Nolan Arenado hits first Grand Slam.

5/3/2013 Alex Avila hits 2-run HR in the 9th for Tigers. Yonder Alonso went 2 for 4 with a 2-run HR for the Padres. Jose Contreras is called up by the Pirates.

5/2/2013 Marlins activated SS Adeiny Hechavarria from the 15-day DL.

5/1/2013 Yuniesky Betancourt moves to first base to play daily.

4/30/2013 Yoenis Cespedes went 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs and 1 run scored for the A’s. Yuniesky Betancourt hits go ahead HR for the Brewers. Houston Astros sent LF J.D. Martinez on a rehab assignment to Corpus Christi Hooks.

4/29/2013 Nolan Arenado went 3 for 6 with a 2-run HR for the Rockies. Miami Marlins sent SS Adeiny Hechavarria on a rehab assignment to Jupiter Hammerheads. Yasiel Puig went 2 for 6 with a HR and 2 RBIs. Nick Castellanos learning to play the outfield.

4/28/2013 Nolan Arenado makes MLB debut for the Rockies. Yoenis Cespedes hits 2-run HR in return to A’s lineup. Yasiel Puig was arrested for reckless driving.

4/27/2013 Kendry Morales drove in winning run for Mariners. Yonder Alonso keys San Diego’s walk-off victory. Nolan Arenado ready for jump to the Rockies. Raul Ibañez returns to Mariners’ lineup. Yuniesky Betancourt bats cleanup for the Brewers. Yunel Escobar day to day with tightness in his hamstring. Adeiny Hechavarria making progress for return from DL.

4/26/2013 J. P. Arencibia is hoping to make All-Star team. Jose Contreras is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Yunel Escobar could be back in line-up soon. Adeiny Hechavarria on schedule for return from DL.

4/25/2013 Gio Gonzalez allowed 1 run in 8 innings in win. Conrado Marrero celebrates 102nd birthday. Yunel Escobar sat out game with tightness in his hamstring. Yoenis Cespedes drives in a run and scores a run in first rehab start.

4/24/2013 Yoenis Cespedes to begin rehab assignment on Thursday. Yunel Escobar day to day with tightness in his hamstring. Robert Andino to start at short stop for the Mariners.

4/23/2013 Matt Dominguez back in Astros’ lineup.

4/22/2013 Tony Sanchez showing responsibility in catching position.

4/21/2013 Yonder Alonso wants to start every game. Yoenis Cespedes prepares for rehab assignment.

4/20/2013 Dayan Viciedo placed on 15-day DL with a strained left oblique. Yoenis Cespedes swings bat again for first time since hurting left hand. Gaby Sanchez hits 2-run home run.

4/19/2013 Branyan Peña concerned about concussions. J. D. Martinez strains knee. Bronson Arroyo shares concern and hope for Boston.

4/18/2013 Adeiny Hechavarria placed on 15-day DL with a elbow injury. Dayan Viciedo exits game with a strained left oblique. J. P. Arencibia producing at the plate for Blue Jays. Jose Fernandez roughed up by the Reds.

4/17/2013 Branyan Peña drove in winning run and held onto ball for last out. Yunel Escobar is slumping at the plate but displaying strong defense. Jorge Soler returns from suspension on Thursday. Nolan Arenado doubles in 7th straight game. Alex Avila gets day off on Wednesday. Adeiny Hechavarria scratched from Marlins’ lineup.

4/16/2013 Dayan Viciedo drives in winning run. Aroldis Chapman will not be used in the eighth inning by the Reds.

4/15/2013 Bronson Arroyo allows 2 runs in 8 innings in win for Reds.

4/14/2013 Gio Gonzalez roughed up by Braves.

4/13/2013 Raul Ibañez one of eight active players to have homered in the Kingdom. Eric Hosmer working through sore quadriceps. Yoenis Cespedes placed on 15-day DL with strained muscle in left hand. Alex Avila gets day off on Saturday.

4/12/2013 Yoenis Cespedes hurts hand while diving into second base. Yuniesky Betancourt starts at first base for Brewers.

4/11/2013 Yonder Alonso asked to play second and third base in same inning. Jorge Soler receives suspension for charging opposing dugout with bat in hand.

4/10/2013 Red Sox send Jose Iglesias to Triple-A. J. P. Arencibia went 2 for 5 with a 3-run DB for Blue Jays. Bronson Arroyo retires 15 straight. Danny Viciedo and Alexei Ramirez make changes to their batting stance.

4/9/2013 J.D. Martinez back in Astros’ lineup.

4/8/2013 Aroldis Chapman has appeared in 5 of the first 6 games for the Reds. Mike Lowell takes part in Marlins’ Opening Day festivities. Could Jose Fernandez mania be next in Miami? Deven Marrero went 3 for 5 with 3 DBs and 1 run scored.

4/7/2013 Jose Fernandez strikes out 8 in 5 innings in MLB debut. Oakland Athletics sent Dan Otero outright to Sacramento River Cats.

4/6/2013 J. P. Arencibia went 2 for 4 with a 2-run HR for Blue Jays.

4/5/2013 Fredi Gonzalez plans to be lenient with his third-base platoon. Kendry Morales went 2-for-5 with 2 RBIs. Oakland Athletics designated RHP Dan Otero for assignment. Roenis Elias strikes out 7 and walks 2 in 6 innings.

4/4/2013 J. P. Arencibia went 3 for 4 with 2 solo HRs for Blue Jays. Yoenis Cespedes hits two-run home run for the Oakland Athletics. Yonder Alonso hurt his left arm when he came off the bag to make a swipe tag in the fifth. Aroldis Chapman gets first save for the Reds.

4/3/2013 Gio Gonzalez used his arm and his bat to help the Nationals blank the Marlins, 3-0. Jose Fernandez throws in a simulated game in preparation for debut. Danny Viciedo and Alexei Ramirez both homered in White Sox victory. Chris Perez moves on from bad memory.

4/2/2013 J. P. Arencibia learning to catch knuckleball.

3/31/2013 Marlins add Jose Fernandez to Opening Day roster.

3/30/2013 Yasiel Puig was named the 2013 Jim and Dearie Mulvey Award winner as the top rookie in Dodgers camp. Yoenis Cespedes hit his sixth home run of the spring. Kendry Morales homers in final spring game. Los Angeles Dodgers optioned LF Alex Castellanos to Albuquerque Isotopes. Houston Astros recalled J.D. Martinez from Oklahoma City RedHawks.

3/29/2013 Bronson Arroyo allowed one run on seven hits over six innings in his final spring game. Yuniesky Betancourt will share first basemen duties to begin season. J. P. Arencibia hit solo home run to end spring. Oakland Athletics claimed RHP Dan Otero off waivers from New York Yankees.
 
3/28/2013 Nolan Arenado was optioned to Triple-A on Thursday. Gio Gonzalez pitches four shutout innings in last spring start. LHP Frank Del Valle assigned to Chicago Cubs.

3/27/2013 The Brewers signed Yuniesky Betancourt to a one-year contract. Eric Hosmer is starting in right field. Alexie Ramirez day to day after being hit by pitch has a right shoulder contusion after being hit by a pitch. C Adrian Nieto assigned to Washington Nationals. New York Yankees designated RHP Dan Otero for assignment. Kansas City Royals optioned LHP Francisley Bueno to Omaha Storm Chasers.

3/26/2013 Yuniesky Betancourt is a physical exam away from re-signing with the Brewers. Dayan Viciedo has played third base, first base and right field and he could move back to first in the future. Yasiel Puig will head to Triple-A to begin the season. Boston Red Sox released LHP Sergio Espinosa. New York Yankees claimed RHP Dan Otero off waivers from San Francisco Giants. Raul Valdes is front runner for bullpen spot with Phillies.

3/25/2013 J. P. Arencibia homered twice and drove in five. Yunel Escobar has been everything the Rays hoped for. J. P. Arencibia to be the starting catcher on Opening Day. Bronson Arroyo feeling no pain after being hit on his pitching hand by a line drive. Christian Garcia will start the season on the disabled list. OF Yasiel Balaguert assigned to Chicago Cubs.

3/24/2013 Yasiel Puig went 3-for-3 and added stellar defense. Chris Perez should be to open season. The Phillies released Yuniesky Betancourt. Houston Astros optioned LF J.D. Martinez to Oklahoma City RedHawks.

3/23/2013 Gio Gonzalez appears to be in midseason form.  Yoenis Cespedes hits two-run homer. Eric Hosmer has a slightly strained right quad.

3/22/2013 Aroldis Chapman will return to the closer's role for the Reds. The Phillies have until the end of Sunday to decide on Yuniesky Betancourt. Yasiel Puig had the wind knocked out of him trying to make a diving catch. Indians closer Chris Perez to pitch rehab game in Minors. Alex Castellanos hit his fourth homer of the spring.

3/21/2013 Alex Castellanos hit a three-run homer as the Dodgers defeated the Cubs, 5-4.

3/20/2013 Yasiel Puig goes 4 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs. Dayan Viciedo is recovering from right quadriceps strain. Baltimore Orioles optioned C Luis Exposito to Norfolk Tides.

3/19/2013 Yoenis Cespedes has learned to pace himself over a full regular season. Aroldis Chapman to close or not to close? Nolan Arenado put on an impressive hitting display in Spring Training. Yasiel Puig is making Dodgers management think long and hard about whether he's ready for the Big Show.

3/18/2013 Marlins prospect Jose Fernandez expects to make Majors. Kendry Morales work ethic is rubbing off on his teammates. Christian Garcia to rest two more weeks.

3/17/2013 Cuban pitcher Yadier Pedroso was killed in a traffic accident on Friday.

3/16/2013 Yasiel Puig went 3 for 3 with a two-run homer. Sean Rodriguez hits 2-run home run.

3/15/2013 Dayan Viciedo and White Sox slams Cubs.

3/14/2013 Chris Perez recovering well from shoulder injury.

3/13/2013 Jose Fernandez reassigned by Marlins to Minor League camp.

3/12/2013 Matt Dominguez getting his chance at big leagues. Yoenis Cespedes reunites with his mother.

3/11/2013 Cuba eliminated from the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Fredi Gonzalez is keeping an open mind about which relievers could be on his Opening Day roster. Tony Sanchez will be catching A.J. Burnett on Saturday. Gio Gonzalez to make WBC debut against Puerto Rico. Yasiel Puig surprises Dodgers with strong performance. Sean Rodriguez working to be more consistent.

3/10/2013 Ronnier Mustelier competes for a spot at third for the Yankees. Cuba to face Dutch team in elimination match. Yoenis Cespedes to visit relatives in Miami.

3/9/2013 Cuba cruises to a 14-0 mercy-rule victory over Chinese Taipei. Sean Rodriguez hits 2-run home run and then gets hit by pitch.

3/8/2013 Cuba to face Chinese-Taipei team in elimination match.

3/7/2013 Cuba to face Dutch team in second round opener.

3/6/2013 Eric Hosmer on Team USA's World Baseball Classic roster. Cuba defeated Japan 6-3 to seal a WBC Pool A sweep.

3/5/2013 Cuba to face Japan. Jose Fernandez faces off against Team Venezuela.

3/4/2013 Nolan Arenado homered for the third consecutive game, and the fourth time this spring. Cuba defeated China 12-0 and  advance to the second round in Pool A.

3/3/2013 Cuba defeated Brazil 5-2 in WBC opener.

3/2/2013 Cuba to face Brazil on Sunday in WBC. J.D. Martinez hit a two-run homer for the Astros. Robert Andino working hard for Mariners this spring. Chris Perez dealing with shoulder. Bronson  Arroyo made his spring debut . Chris Marrero homered and knocked in two runs for the Nationals.

3/1/2013 Dayan Viciedo displaying power and talent.

2/28/2013 Aroldis Chapman impresses spring debut. Nick Castellanos working hard for the Tigers this spring. Fredi Gonzalez confident in the Braves prospects this season.

2/27/2013 Sean Rodriguez to play first more this season.  Aroldis Chapman to make his Spring Training debut Thursday as a starter. Pitcher Jose Fernandez to be represented by agent Scott Boras.

2/26/2013 J.P. Arencibia gives tickets to autistic fan. Dayan Viciedo changes swing. Mike Lowell invited as guest instructor in Red Sox camp.  Kendry Morales excited to be with mariners.

2/25/2013 Nick Castellanos homers for Tigers in spring game.

2/24/2013 Raul Ibañez happy to reunite with Mariners hitting coach.

2/22/2013 Adeiny Hechavarria working hard this spring. Gio Gonzalez took drug tests and they came back clean.

2/21/2013 Robert Andino feels at home with Mariners. J.P. Arencibia working with pitcher R. A. Dickey. Reds to make decision on Aroldis Chapman soon.

2/20/2013 Eric Hosmer agrees to contract with the Royals. Jose Fernandez hits fellow Marlins hitter in the head.

2/19/2013 Gio Gonzalez cleared in PED case.

2/18/2013 Nolan Arenado working hard for Rockies this spring.

2/17/2013 Gio Gonzalez will join Team USA in second round. Yoenis Cespedes ready for second season.

2/16/2013 Fredi Gonzalez waiting to announce Braves’ starting rotation. Kendry Morales to be Mariners DH. Raul Ibañez returns to Mariners.

2/15/2013 Jorge Soler arrives at Cubs’ Spring training camp.

2/14/2013 Fredi Gonzalez to deliver opening speech to Braves.

2/13/2013 Danny Valencia denied that he used PEDs. J.P. Arencibia behind plate for R. A. Dickey.

2/12/2013 Gio Gonzalez arrives at Spring training camp.

2/9/2013 Deven Marrero among Red Sox’ non-roster invitees. Gio Gonzalez to pitch for Team USA.

2/8/2013 Yonder Alonso looking forward to the coming season.

2/5/2013 Danny  Valencia named on list of Miami PED clinic.

1/29/2013 Gio Gonzalez denied that he used PEDs.

1/28/2013 Jose Fernandez among Marlins’ non-roster invitees.

1/18/2013 Chris Perez signs one year deal with Indians. Kendry Morales signed one-year contract  with the Mariners.

1/16/2013 Nick Castellanos among list of Tigers non-roster invites to Spring.

1/15/2013 J.P. Arencibia named to Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Rockies top prospect Nolan Arenado matured last season at Double-A Tulsa.

1/10/2013 Eric Hosmer looking forward to the coming season. Miami's top pitching prospect Jose Fernandez answers questions.