The Base Ball Intelligencer, Troy, NY, February 21, 1879
SHORT WINTER SEASON A SUCCESS IN CUBA
That the sport of base ball should become a fixture on the island of Cuba is no surprise. After all, the weather on the island is ideal for sporting endeavors - balmy to hot year-round. Though the natives of Cuba grow restless under the continued yoke of distant Spain, the political waves did not upset plans for the first organized base ball loop on the island. With just three clubs, playing just a four-game slate, the endeavor was small, but exciting for the islands inhabitants. It drew the very visible presence of two players who have made names for themselves here in the United States - Cavetano Blanco and Arturo Villanueva. Both returned home to lead their teams - surprisingly they played on opposing teams, the first time they've done so. Blanco was pitcher and manager for the Havana club, while Villanueva played shortstop and managed the Almendares club. Blanco was superb (3-1, 1.00 ERA), Villanueva was not (.211 average), and the Habana Rojos (Reds) won three of their four games to claim the Cuban championship.
