Introduction: Vinotinto Venezuela Béisbol, 1939–2024

Baseball, known as America’s pastime, has become a global phenomenon that unites people from diverse backgrounds. While the sport’s roots lie in the United States, its influence has transcended borders, captivating the hearts of fans worldwide. One nation that has made an indelible mark on the major-league stage is Venezuela. For over 80 years, Venezuelan players have graced the fields of the major leagues, leaving an undeniable impact on the game and etching their names in baseball history.

This book, published by the SABR Digital Library in 2025, is a celebration of their journey, their achievements, and the lasting legacy they have created.

As Venezuelans, living in a baseball-obsessed nation, their accomplishments on the field fill Venezuelans with immense national pride. We embrace every major-league team as if they are part of our own country, playing in our local communities. Saying Yankees, Orioles, or Reds is just part of the local sports jargon.

While the industry in the United States makes efforts to promote the product internationally, that groundwork was laid in Venezuela well over 80 years ago.

People still ask … Why the burgundy color or “vinotinto”? Sports teams representing Venezuela started using this color as a national identity. One version explaining its origin is that the military training clothing was burgundy, and so this color was translated into national team uniforms. Another theory is that the flag colors – yellow, blue, and red – blend to create burgundy.

The fact is that during the early 2000s, the national soccer team started being identified as La Vinotinto as Venezuelan soccer progressed on the international stage. Then finally, the World Baseball Classic took place in 2006, and the entire country was excited about seeing a true national powerhouse team on the field.

This was the real Vinotinto. The one that once again geared up for the 2023 World Baseball Classic and stopped the heartbeats of Venezuelans in the country and around the world.

Today, Venezuela is vinotinto, and vinotinto is synonymous with Venezuelan sports around the globe.

To understand the significance of Venezuelan players in the major leagues, we must delve into the beginnings of baseball in Venezuela. As the game grew in popularity, it quickly became ingrained in Venezuelan culture, with local leagues sprouting up across the country. Baseball soon became an integral part of the national identity, providing an avenue for aspiring young players to dream of reaching the pinnacle of the sport.

But the journey of Venezuelan players in major-league baseball began in 1939 when Alejandro “Patón” Carrasquel became the first Venezuelan-born player to don a major-league uniform. Carrasquel paved the way for future generations, showcasing the talent and potential within Venezuelan baseball. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, a few more Venezuelan players made their way into the league. But it wasn’t until the 1960s that a wave of exceptional talent emerged.

The 1960s marked a turning point for Venezuelan players in major-league baseball. A group of immensely talented players burst onto the scene, leaving an immediate impact. One such player was Luis Aparicio, a dynamic shortstop who became the first Venezuelan to become a true star of the game, shaping the sport in his era and eventually finding his place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Aparicio’s success opened the floodgates, inspiring a generation of young Venezuelans to pursue their dreams of playing in the big leagues.

Then the 1990s and 2000s witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of Venezuelan players in the majors, with a host of superstars emerging from the country. Names like Omar Vizquel, Andrés Galarraga, and Bobby Abreu became synonymous with excellence, showcasing their skills on both sides of the field. These players not only achieved personal milestones but also helped their teams reach new heights, contributing to memorable playoff runs and World Series championships.

As Venezuela became a powerhouse in talent production in both quality and quantity, more players dominated the major-league landscape. The likes of Miguel Cabrera, José Altuve, and Ronald Acuña Jr. have captured the hearts of fans with their exceptional talents and charismatic personalities. These players have shattered records, claimed batting titles, and earned numerous accolades, solidifying their place among the game’s elite. Their success has further cemented Venezuela’s reputation as a hotbed of baseball talent.

But as a nation of contrast, Venezuela is a country that has struggled politically and socially in the last couple of decades. With a population that once enjoyed major-league action and fervently supported the Professional Winter League, it is estimated that more than 7 million Venezuelans have massively migrated around the world, looking for better opportunities and social freedom. The social convolution has affected how baseball is consumed and even how Venezuelan players reach professional baseball.

Back home, established MLB players have contributed to charity efforts and helped social causes, from building sports academies to supporting education and healthcare initiatives in their homeland. These players have become beacons of hope and inspiration for their fellow countrymen.

As we celebrate over 80 years of Venezuelan players in major-league baseball, it is evident that their impact on the game extends far beyond statistics and records. These players have become ambassadors for their country, showcasing the rich baseball heritage that Venezuela possesses. Their dedication, perseverance, and love for the game have inspired future generations of players, instilling a sense of national pride and unity. Venezuela’s baseball achievements are a testament to the talent and determination that reside within the hearts of Venezuelan athletes and the immeasurable contributions they have made to the world of baseball.

This book is a tribute to these remarkable individuals and to their extraordinary journey, and a celebration of their lasting legacy: from humble and remote beginnings, raw talent, and dreams of playing a children’s game to achieving success in a foreign country, surpassing social and cultural barriers.

It aims to honor their achievements, chronicle their triumphs and tribulations, and provide an intimate look into their lives both on and off the field. Join us as we embark on this captivating exploration of the impact of Venezuelan players in major-league baseball and discover the stories that have captivated fans around the globe.

This book represents the collaborative effort of 35 SABR members and provides an appreciation of some 50 Venezuelans who have starred in baseball’s major leagues. It is a true teamwork project that overcame the effects of a world pandemic that stopped many projects around the world. It was only possible because of the perseverance and incredible spirit of my lead co-editor, Mr. Bill Nowlin, who understands the transcendence of international baseball with the highest spirit of leaving a mark for future generations.

My dear fat abuelo, Roberto Valbuena, would have been so proud, but mostly interested as a reader and researcher. He was the first baseball-book lover I ever met and the one who gave me his entire library when I was 11 years old. That moment set my path. The result is in your hands.

¡Que viva Venezuela!

— Leonte Landino
Co-Editor
Member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA)