Great ballplayers from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela are highlighted with a brief biographical profile accompanied by a stylized color painting. The profiles focus on the 14 players’ remarkable athletic accomplishments, as well as on some of the challenges they faced as pioneers in the field during a time when only fair-skinned Latinos were accepted into the U.S. Major Leagues. (Ages 7–11)

Baseball, known as America's favorite pastime, is a favorite sport in Latin America as well. In this fascinating and colorfully written collection of profiles, author/illustrator Jonah Winter -- following the success of FAIR BALL!, his earlier book on the Negro Leagues -- gives us a guide to Latino heroes, including little known pioneers of the sport.

Readers learn stats and anecdotes about fourteen players including Dolf Luque, the Cuban pitcher who became the first Latin American star in the major leagues; Roberto Clemente, the legendary Puerto Rican outfielder of the 1950s and 1960s; and Felipe Alou, the first full-time Dominican star in the majors who later became the first Latin American Manager of the Year. Each profile is accompanied by a stunning portrait rendered to resemble traditional baseball cards. BEISBOL! Latino Baseball Pioneers and Legends recalls the drama of Latin American stars with all the color, grit, and style that should now be part of U.S. baseball history.

Bruce Markusen Rodriguez (introduction) has been associated with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum since 1995, first as a senior researcher and now as Manager of Program Presentations. He is also the author of numerous articles and books about baseball, including ROBERTO CLEMENTE: THE GREAT ONE and THE ORLANDO CEPEDA STORY. He and his wife live in Cooperstown, New York.