Hall of Famer José Méndez is born in Cardenas, Cuba

On March 19, 1887, future Hall of Famer José Méndez is born in Cardenas, Cuba. Noted for his blazing fastball and sharp curve, Méndez’s career spanned from 1908 to 1926. As a player-manager with the Kansas City Monarchs, he led the Negro National League team to three consecutive pennants, from 1923 to 1925. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006.