Two former major league baseball players helped kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in Syracuse today by sharing their experiences as Latinos in the sport. Carlos Baerga is a former second baseman from Puerto Rico who signed on at age 16.
"For me, I faced no racial issues when I was playing," Baerga said. "I always say that, when you do the right things on and off the field, you don't have no problem. You follow the rules...I always say there's always going to be somebody on top of you and you have to follow instructions. You do that, you're never going to have problems."
Adrian Burgos is Professor of History and Latino-Latina American studies at the University of Illinois. He was on hand for todays’ panel discussion at La Casita in Syracuse.
"One of the beautiful things about todays' event was hearing Carlos Baerga share his memories of his father," Burgos said. "Also hearing other share the connection, not just with being a ball player and baseball, but being a fan, being a part of family, being part of a community."
Burgos says family and community has been a part of baseball’s place among Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Veneuzualans, and others.
"Baseball does provide for Dominicans truly an opportunity for social mobility," Burgos said. "Part of that is given the way that Major League Baseball International rules are that allows Dominicans to be signed as undrafted free agents at the age of 16.”
The other major league player to join the festivities was Candido "Candy" Maldonado. Executive Director of Cultural Engagement at La Casita TerePaniagua says baseball is a way of celebrating hispanic identity. She says never before has there been a greater number Latinos on the field and in the stands. “Latinos and baseball: In the barrios and the Big Leagues” is part La Casita’s signature art show at it's gallery on Otisco street.