Volume 1, Number 2

April - June 2002

Dedicated to the recognition of the contribution made to baseball by Hispanic American players

From the Desk of Vice-President
Amaury Pi-González...

Kudos to the Sacramento River Cats Organization. Specially to Mr. Doug Berrios who handles the Spanish marketing for his boss, Mr. Tom Glick and the owner, Mr. Art Savage. Mr. Gabriel "Tito" Avila Jr., President of the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and yours truly was recently invited to a mixer at beautiful Raley Field. The River Cats are bringing the Hispanic
community together with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. No wonder the River Cats are considered one of the premier minor league organization in the country. Many baseball organizations should take a page from the success of the River Cats who presently broadcasts all their home games and all weekend games on KSQR 1240 AM "La Vanquera" in Spanish withÊ José Reynoso at play by play. ÁSaludos River Cats

Art Santo Domingo was the Media Relations person for the San Franciso Giants during the 1960's. Arturo, who sits with Erwin Higueros and myself at the Spanish radio booth of the Giants' KZSF 1370AM from Pac Bell Park in San Francisco is an encyclopedia of memories and baseball knowledge.

Dickey at the A's

During some afternoon games at the Oakland Athletics, I chat with the dean of the sports columnist in the Bay Area, my good friend Glenn Dickey who recently published his most recent book called "Champions", the story of the first two A's dynasties and theÊ building of the third. This is his 17th book (A's, Giants, 49ers, Raiders). "Champions" is available at bookstores every-where in the country and on the net by visiting www.amazon.com Adios!

The 2002 All Star Game

The Midsummer Classic will take place Tuesday July 9, 2002 at Miller Park in Milwaukee. From July 5-9, John Hancock All Star FanFest at Milwaukee's Epress Center, an interactive baseball spectacular is the largest baseball event in the world that provides baseball fans of all ages the once-in-a lifetime chance to experience the fun and excitement of Major League Baseball.

Did you know?

The only two days during the year that do not have any sporting events are the day before and the day after the Major League Baseball All Star Game... The average lifespan of a Major League Baseball
(in pitches) is 7...

Esteban Bellán from Cuba was the first Latin-American to play professional baseball in the United States. Bellán played the National Association from 1871 to1873 with the Troy Haymakers and the New York Mutuals. Today's National League founded in 1876 and the American League in 1901...

"I want to be remembered as a ballplayer who gave all he had to give"... Roberto Clemente. It became the Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder epitaph after he was killed in a plane crash in a disaster relief effort in 1973.

Greg Harris was an ambidextrous Pitcher with the Mets, Reds, Expos, Padres and the Rangers from 1981 to 1984.

Martin Dihigo, from Cuba, is the only Latin-American player in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown that never played in the Major Leagues. However, Dihigo, one of the most versatile players of all time gained the unique honor of being elected to the Cuban, Mexican and American Hall of Fame. Dihigo played all nine positions with great speed and an exceptionally strong arm. A star performer at every position. Dihigo played the Negro Leagues.

"Baseball As America" is an exhibition of treasures organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on view in New York City for the first time, until August 18, 2002. Record breaking bats used by Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa are displayed. Also for viewing the "Doubleday Ball" from baseball's mystic first game. For general information, call 212/769-5100 or visit their website www.amnh.org.

"The Golden Game Baseball in the Land of Dreams", a major retrospective exhibit of baseball in California, is scheduled to open May 2003 at the California Historical Society in San Francisco. It will feature "The Golden 100", the 100 greatest California baseball players of all time. For more information, call 415/357-1848 or visit their website at www.calhist.org.

The San Francisco Merchant's Association

The San Francisco Merchant's Association is the oldest business association in the Mission District of San Francisco. On Wednesday, April 24, 2002, Tito Avila and Orlando Cepeda were invited to their monthly luncheon meeting at El Valenciano Restaurant. The attendees are prominent business and community people. Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda spoke of his passion about baseball and the importance of establishing a baseball museum in San Francisco to honor Hispanic players. Orlando asked that businesses help fund the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum. He spoke of the importance of having a Museum in the great city of San Francisco. Why San Francisco? Orlando Cepeda quickly points out that the San Francisco Giants was one of the first Major League teams to have more than one Hispanic on the team at the same time. Orlando

mentioned the former players: Felipe, Matty and Jesus Alou, better known as the Alou Brothers, Juan Marichal, Ruben Gomez and Jose Pagan. Mr. Cepeda adds that the San Francisco Giants continue their tradition of hiring the brightest and the best baseball players including various Hispanic players who are among the best in Major League Baseball. Cepeda encouraged the businesses to support the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum. President Tito Avila spoke about the idea for a museum in San Francisco, how the Bay Area embraces the project and how the project has been recognized nationally. Mr. Avila also spoke of the acknowledgement and support that Major League Baseball pledged. In addition, he spoke of the support of the City of San Francisco and asked the business community to rally behind the Museum project and it's importance to the community. In closing, Orlando Cepeda stated "Having this Museum here in the City of San Francisco would be fulfilling one of my dreams of the City". Approximately 70 businessmen and businesswomen attended.

Upcoming Events...

June 2, 2002 -Sunday
KNBR/SF Giants FanFest at McCovey Cove in San Francisco. HHBM to hold a membership drive.

June 8, 2002 -Saturday
Vice President Amaury Pi-González will throw the first pitch at the Sacramento River Cats vs. Las Vegas 51 game at Raley Field in Sacramento at 7:05PM.

June 17, 2002 -Monday
Dr. William Fishkin of Chiro Clinica will hold a Baseball Clinic/Fund Raising for HHBM from 1:00PM-3:00PM in his office at 2460 Mission St. Suite 203, San Francisco, CA 94110.

June 22, 2002 -Saturday
Dia de San Juan at the San Jose Fairgrounds. HHBM to hold a membership drive. Among other guests at this fair is "El Grand Combo de Puerto Rico".

June 23, 2002 -Sunday
"Latin American Player Reunion Day:" at Pac Bell Park. SF Giants and HHBM will be honoring 9 former Hispanic players.

(Read the MLB.com article covering this Great Event) "GIANTS CELEBRATE HISPANIC PLAYERS" by Josh Rawitch)

We hope to see you on these events!!!

The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum is a non-profit organization established in San Francisco, California in 1999.

If you wish to become a Member of this exciting project, please call us at 1-877-BAT-HHBM www.hispanicbaseballmuseum.com