Cuban Players League

The Cuban Players League or Players Federation League was yet another alternative to the Cuban Winter League. It ran from October 30, 1947 through March 10, 1948 at La Tropical Stadium and was formed by a union established by Cuban players. The league was loaded with stars but administrative and financial problems led to the league lasting just one year.

All-Stars

• C: Red Hayworth, Cuba (.272, .315 SLG)
• 1B: Carlos Blanco, Leones (.297, .352 SLG)
• 2B: Bobby Avila, Cuba (.304, .353 SLG, 17 SB)
• SS: Avelino Canizares, Alacranes (.310, .370 SLG) & Stan Breard, Cuba (.293, .367 SLG)
• 3B: Hector Rodriguez, Alacranes (.286, .391 SLG, 19 SB)
• OF: Alejandro Crespo, Cuba/Alacranes (.271, .376 SLG)
• OF: Luis Olmo, Santiago/Leones (.318, .467 SLG)
• OF: Roberto Ortiz, Alacranes (.311, .479 SLG)
• P: Max Lanier, Alacranes (12-7)
• P: Sandy Consuegra, Leones (11-4)
• P: Adrian Zabala, Cuba (13-7)

The Leones won the title at 50-41. Managed by Chico Hernandez, they were led by pitchers Sandy Consuegra (11-4) and Sandy Ullrich (6-1). Amazingly, the champs had the league's leader in losses, Terris McDuffie (9-12). The offense was led by outfielders Luis Olmo (.318, .467 SLG), Bobby Estalella (.295, .452 SLG) and Rene Monteagudo (.317).

Cuba finished second at 46-45. Managed by Nap Reyes and Santos Amaro, the team was led on the mound by Adrian Zabala (13-7) and Sal Maglie (11-9). 2B Bobby Avila (.304, .363 SLG) stole 17 bases, second in the league. Hall-of-Famer Ray Dandridge only managed a .212 average while OF Roland Gladu batted .330 to lead the league and slugged .449.

The Alacranes were third at 44-47, six games out. They were managed by Dolf Luque. Max Lanier (12-7) led the pitchers while Jean-Pierre Roy was 7-2. OF Roberto Ortiz (.311, .479 SLG) led the league in doubles (21) and RBI (55). 3B Hector Rodriguez (.286, 391 SLG) led in steals (19) and triples (10). SS Avelino Canizares (.310, .370 SLG) led in hits (114) and runs (53).

Santiago withdrew on December 15 with a 7-14 record. Booker McDaniels had gone 3-2 to lead the club, which was piloted by Lazaro Salazar. Leon Day made three appearances and Olmo, Estalella, Chico Garcia and Danny Gardella were among those to appear for the last-place entry.

Source: Cuban Baseball: A Statistical History by Jorge Figueredo