Minnie Minoso, nicknamed the ‘Cuban Comet,’ led the AL in triples and steals three times. (Getty Images)
Former White Sox player Minnie Minoso died Sunday. There is some discrepancy with Minoso’s age, but the White Sox say he was 92, reports USA Today.
His family is awaiting autopsy results, but believes he died from a heart condition, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Minoso played 13 full seasons in the major leagues and also played a part of four others from 1949 to 1980. He was a nine-time All-Star and became the first black player to play for the White Sox in 1951.
Minoso was born in Cuba and became an inspiration to Latin-born players.
“Orestes Minoso was the Jackie Robinson for all Latinos; the first star who opened doors for all Latin American players,” Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda said. “He was everybody’s hero. I wanted to be Minoso. [Roberto] Clemente wanted to be Minoso.”
Minoso first made the big leagues with the Indians in 1949 and was later traded back to Cleveland, making the AL All-Star team in 1959. He also played for the Cardinals and Senators before finishing his career with the White Sox, including brief comebacks in 1976 and 1980 to earn the rare distinction of playing in five decades.
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