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La vida misteriosa de Luis Castro
2007-04-23 09:45
by Bob Timmermann

In an MLB.com story, Jesse Sanchez recaps the mysterious background of Luis Castro, who may or may not have been one of the first MLB players born in Latin America.

Most sources say that Castro was born in Medellin, Colombia in 1867 or 1876 or 1877 and debuted with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1902. Some historians think that Castro was actually born in the U.S.

And then there is the case of Esteban Bellan, who was born in Cuba, and played for the Troy Haymakers in 1871-72 and the New York Mutuals in 1873 in the National Association, which MLB does not recognize as a major league.

Sandy Nava, a catcher for Providence of the NL and Baltimore of the American Association, is believed to be the first player of Latin American descent to play in the majors after their "official" start in 1876. Nava, according to most historians, had at least one Mexican parent. However, he was born in San Francisco in 1850, when the city's population boomed because of the Gold Rush and recording births was not exactly a high priority.

Comments
2007-04-23 11:53:39
1.   Daniel Zappala
In the 1930 census, the only place I could find him, his name is given as Louis Castro, he is 51, married at 26 to Margaret. He gives his birth place (and both of his parents') as New York. His wife and her parents are shown as from Vermont. His occupation is ball player.
2007-04-23 13:09:58
2.   Bob Timmermann
The plot thickens ...
2007-05-19 10:10:45
3.   Nickinvegas
I am not convinced he was born in New York. I know there are some later documents where it is stated he was born in New York, but until I see a birth certificate or baptismal note I am sceptical. Immigrants often will state they are from a US city even if they were not born there especially when attempting to qualify for aid. I am putting together a book on Mr. Castro, any assistance you might be able to offer would be apreciated...

Regards,
Nick Martinez

2007-07-20 16:28:49
4.   Nickinvegas
Just a Follow Up:
I have found the original ships record when Castro and his family came to the US from Columbia when he was eight years old. I have found information of some degree for nearly every year of his life. He was not born in the US as previously reported. I have created a web site for Louis louiscastro.com

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