1878 – The professional Baseball League of Cuba begins play in Havana, making the Cuban Winter League the world’s second oldest professional baseball organization, trailing North America’s National League in seniority by only two seasons. Havana wins the first game, 21 – 20, over Almendares in a contest featuring ten men to a side (the extra position was “right short”). The inaugural Cuban championship consists of only three clubs – Havana, Matanzas, Almendares – and Havana wins the trophy with a 4-0-1 record behind the leadership of manager and captain Steve Bellan.

On December 29, 1878 — 1878 – The professional Baseball League of Cuba begins play in Havana, making the Cuban Winter League the world’s second oldest professional baseball organization, trailing North America’s National League in seniority by only two seasons. Havana wins the first game, 21 – 20, over Almendares in a contest featuring ten men to a side (the extra position was “right short”). The inaugural Cuban championship consists of only three clubs – Havana, Matanzas, Almendares – and Havana wins the trophy with a 4-0-1 record behind the leadership of manager and captain Steve Bellan.

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Sources:

Baseball Reference December 29

SABR Games Project

National Pastime December 29

National Pastime December 29

Hall of Fame

Retro Sheet

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