Azules de Veracruz

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Team History[edit]

The Azules de Veracruz were a Mexican League powerhouse in the 1940s, but ceased operations definitely in 1954. Bankrolled by millionaire owner Jorge Pasquel, the team went out and signed many stand-out American and Cuban players, raiding both the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball. They won Mexican League pennants in 1940, 1941, 1944 and 1951, winning more in 15 years than many teams have won in decades in the Liga.

The 1940 and 1941 teams were especially powerful, featuring Willie Wells, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, Ray Dandridge, Martin Dihigo, Leon Day, Ramon Bragana, Angel Castro, Double Duty Radcliffe and more. They could very probably have competed with the top MLB teams of the era.

However, the Azules were eventually eclipsed in its own city by the Rojos del Águila de Veracruz who have been fixtures in the Mexican League - with a few brief interruptions - since 1949.

Year-by-Year Record[edit]

Year Record Finish Manager Playoffs
1940 61-30 1st Martin Dihigo none League Champs
1941 67-35 1st Lazaro Salazar none League Champs
1942 39-46 6th Agustin Bejerano none
1943 39-51 5th Gustavo Buenrostro / Horacio Hernandez none
1944 52-37 1st Rogers Hornsby / Ramon Bragana none League Champs
1945 42-48 5th Ramon Bragana none
1946 41-57 7th Ramon Bragana / Mickey Owen / Chile Gomez / Jorge Pasquel none
1947 52-67 6th Chile Gomez / Red Steiner none
1948 43-43 5th Dolf Luque none
1949 42-42 4th Salvador Hernandez
1950 34-50 7th Ramon Bragana
1951 49-35 1st Angel Castro League Champs

Related Sites[edit]