Spanish American War

The Spanish American War was the result of Cuba's revolution against Spain, which prompted the United States to intervene in Cuba's favor. Cuba was granted independence after the war, but the U.S. intervened in the country's affairs for years after that. The war also led to the US gaining control of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines.

Several major league and Negro League baseball players served during the War. The most notable impact in baseball, though, was the cancellation of the 1894-1895 Cuban Winter League; the league did not play a full season again until 1899.

Numerous figures of Cuban baseball lost their lives during Cuba's fight for independence, including Emilio Sabourín and Juan Manuel Pastoriza.