Luis Márquez

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Note: This page discusses 1950s outfielder Luis Marquez. For the scout of the same name, click here.

Marquezluis.jpg

Luis Angel Márquez Sanchez
(Canena, El Fogón Boricua)

  • Bats Right, Throws Right
  • Height 5' 10½", Weight 174 lb.

BR page

Biographical Information[edit]

Luis "Canena" Márquez became the third Puerto Rican to play in the Major Leagues (after Hiram Bithorn and Luis Olmo). Márquez played in a total of 68 games in the National League, split in two seasons between the Boston Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Before that, he had played three seasons in the second Negro National League, being an All-Star in both 1947 and 1948, and being a member of the Homestead Grays when they won the 1948 Negro World Series.

Márquez died in his hometown of Aguadilla in 1988, shot to death by his son-in-law, who is still a fugitive. A local baseball stadium was named in Márquez's honor.

Marquez was on the Puerto Rican national team in the 1944 Amateur World Series. He was the first black player signed by the Yankees (in 1949). However, the contract was voided by the commissioner and Marquez ended up property of the Cleveland Indians. In 1950 he was with Portland, hitting .311 and leading the PCL with 38 stolen bases. He was drafted by the Boston Braves after the 1950 season and made his major league debut with them in 1951.

Marquez played Puerto Rico professional baseball starting in 1944, and continued to play there in winters while he played professionally in the U.S. He joined the Negro Leagues in the U.S. in 1946, playing with the Homestead Grays from 1946 to 1948. After signing with organized baseball, he was sent first to the Newark Bears before coming to the Portland Beavers. Later, after his debut in the majors, he played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Toledo Mud Hens, Dallas Rangers, Portland again, and in Mexico for the Poza Rica Petroleros. He then coached in Puerto Rico, and after baseball was a sports and recreation instructor. Source: Aguadilla He also scouted for the Montreal Expos in 1979-1980.

Notable Achievements[edit]

Related Sites[edit]