Un Poquito De Beisbol Con Sabor Bilingue
Yankee Stadium
The Bronx, New York
May 1, 2011
Emilio ‘Millito’ Navarro (26 septiembre, 1905 – 30 abril, 2011). At 105 years old he was the oldest professional baseball player. He was born in Patillas, and grew up in the baseball fan favorite town of Ponce, Puerto Rico.
With no professional ball being played in Puerto Rico during the 1920’s, he played in the Dominican Republic for the Escogido Lions. During 1928, Navarro boarded a ship to New York to join the New York Cuban Stars of the Eastern Colored League. He became the first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues. That season he batted .337. The 5’5″ infielder was known for his agility at shortstop, his effectiveness as a lead off hitter and his base running skills.
During the 1930’s Navarro played in Venezuela with Los Magallanes and in Puerto Rico he organized and was the co-founder of the Ponce Lions. He enjoyed 20 seasons playing and coaching second base.
In 1992 Emilio ‘Millito’ Navarro was voted into the Puerto Rico Hall of Fame and in 2004 the Puerto Rico Sports Hall of Fame.
Before the start of the 2008 First Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball held a ceremonial draft of former Negro League Players, the New York Yankees drafted Navarro. Tino Martinez made the announcement. In 2008, prior to the last game played at the old Yankee Stadium, Navarro threw the ceremonial 1st pitch. Before the 30 foot toss to fellow Puerto Rican, Yankees catcher, Jorge Posada, Navarro warmed his arm and waved his hat to the fans. They loudly cheered the oldtimer.
Emilio ‘Millito” Navarro was asked how the sport of baseball had changed and he answered quickly through a translator “high salaries, I made $25.00 a week”. Asked for his secret to a long life, “his faith, dancing and an ocassional glass of whiskey”. He also described the hardships of discrimination and spoke of Jackie Robinson. He thought Major League Baseball was making a good effort to recognize those players who suffered the cruelties of the past.
The legendary baseball hero of Puerto Rico is survived by 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great, great, grandchild.
Connie Marrero lives in Cuba, at 100 years of age he now remains the oldest professional baseball player.
Viva beisbol.