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Fidel Castro from the Chronology

Jul 8, 1960 - The Cuban revolution led by Fidel Castro brings an end to Havana's International League team. The Sugar Kings relocate in Jersey City‚ marking that city's return to the IL after a 10-year absence. Poor attendance at Roosevelt Stadium prompts the parent Reds to cease the minor-league operation there following the 1960 season.

Jul 25, 1959 - Fidel Castro supporters‚ enjoying a raucous July 26th Celebration in La Gran Stadium in downtown Havana‚ bring a halt to the IL contest between the Red Wings and the Sugar Kings with random gunshots from the grandstand. Red Wings 3B coach Frank Verdi and Havana SS Leo Cardenas both suffer minor ?esh wounds‚ which causes manager Cot Deal to pull his players from the field and retreat to their hotel. League officials cancel the remainder of the Havana team's homestand‚ and‚ with pressure on Ford Frick from U.S. Secretary of State Christian Herter‚ eventually relocate the franchise to Newark for the 1960 season.

Jul 24, 1959 - As a prelude to the IL game between the Havana Sugar Kings and visiting Rochester Red Wings‚ Fidel Castro pitches two innings for his pickup team Los Barbudos against a Military Police squad. Castro pitches both innings‚ strikes out two batters with the aid of some friendly calls‚ and ground outs to short. This well-photographed event is El Jefe's only mound appearance‚ according to Cuban expert Pete Bjarkman.

Apr 23, 1959 - After a conference with Fidel Castro‚ Havana club president Bobby Maduro says the team will stay in Cuba despite the political unrest.

Apr 14, 1959 - In Havana‚ Fidel Castro throws out the first ball the open the International League season and the game between Havana and Toronto. The ambassadors of the U.S.‚ Canada‚ Venezuela and Mexico look on. Fireworks and the release of 26 pigeons add to the festivities.