Germán Mesa

From BR Bullpen

Germán Mesa Fresneda ("El Imán")

Biographical Information[edit]

German Mesa is a former Cuban shortstop for the Industriales of the Cuban National League and for the Cuba national baseball team. Mesa was known as "El Imán" or "The Magnet" for his superior fielding skills. He was also an above average hitter and base runner who led Cuban baseball in hits, triples and stolen bases during his career. German retired in 2002, and became a trainer for the national team. In 2009-2010, he managed the Industriales to the title after squeaking into the playoffs with three straight upsets. They missed the playoffs at 44-46 in 2010-2011 and he was replaced as skipper by former teammate Lázaro Vargas. He later managed in Nicaragua.

In October 1996, Mesa was banned from Cuban baseball, for allegedly taking money from an American sports agent. His suspension was lifted in March 1998.

In Olympic competition, he won a gold medal in 1992 and a silver in 2000.

He managed El Salvador to 4th place in the 2017 Bolivarian Games and a Bronze Medal in the 2017 Central American Games.