Memories of Winter Ball

<p> This is an oral history of the Latin American baseball leagues of the mid-20th century. Interviews with dozens of former major league players who participated in the winter leagues of Cuba the Dominican Republic Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico and Venezuela provide a fascinating view of life in all of these countries during the most nostalgic era of baseball. For the majority of the players it was the first time in their lives living in a foreign country; some of the more fortunate made trips to the Caribbean Series.</p><p> The players' recollections range from their experiences on and off the field to where they lived what they ate the ballparks other players and irrepressible fans. The stories are often juxtaposed against the backdrop of Latin American political history adding to the unique international flavor.</p>