Baseball, known as the national pastime in many Caribbean countries, has witnessed events that have marked the history of this sport in the region. One of those key moments was the creation of the Caribbean Series, a tournament that brings together the best teams from the region’s leagues. Behind this innovative project are two Venezuelan visionaries, Óscar “El Negro” Prieto and Pablo Morales, whose dream became a reality that has endured over the years.
The genesis of the Caribbean Series dates back to October 18, 1946, when Jesús Corao, a passionate Venezuelan fan and businessman, inaugurated the first Inter-American Series in Caracas. Teams such as the Sultanes de Monterrey (Mexico), All Cubans (Cuba), Brooklyn Bushwicks (United States), and Cervecería de Caracas (Venezuela) faced off for a month in this competition. Although the Inter-American Series was dominated by American teams in its early years, the enthusiastic public response laid the groundwork for something even greater.
Venezuelan businessmen Óscar “El Negro” Prieto and Pablo Morales (both owners of the Venezuelan team Cervecería Caracas since 1952, later known as Leones del Caracas), impressed by the positive impact of the Inter-American Series since 1946, presented their vision in 1948 at a convention of the Caribbean Baseball Confederation in Miami, composed of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Venezuela. Impressively, for this era, known as the first phase in the history of the Caribbean Series, the Dominican Republic, today the great power of Caribbean baseball, was not included.
On August 21, 1949, in Havana, the agreement for the Caribbean Series was formalized, establishing a competition that would involve the four champion teams from the member countries of the Confederation. This tournament would be held over six days, with two games a day, in the month of February of each year. The first edition took place at the Grand Stadium in Havana, also known as “Estadio del Cerro,” and later at the Sixto Escobar Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
During the early years of the Caribbean Series, which spanned from 1949 to 1960, Cuba demonstrated its dominance by winning seven of the twelve editions. Puerto Rico followed closely behind with four victories, while Panama claimed one, leaving Venezuela in search of its first title in this initial phase.
The Caribbean Series has since become an iconic event celebrating the excellence of Caribbean baseball. The bold vision of Venezuelan businessmen Óscar “El Negro” Prieto and Pablo Morales has endured, providing baseball fans with an exciting competition that transcends borders and unites nations through their shared passion for the sport. The Caribbean Series is more than just a tournament; It is a legacy that carries with it the history and competitive spirit of the Caribbean in every pitch, every bat, and every inning.
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