All-Latino baseball team: The best all-time lineup of players born in Cuba

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Paste BN Sports put together All-Latino baseball lineups from throughout Latin America.

The tradition of professional baseball in Cuba dates back to 1878, two years after the National League was founded.

For decades, Havana hosted winter baseball, barnstorming Negro league teams and MLB spring training games — and Havana was home to two minor league teams.

But Cuba's winter league folded in 1961 in the aftermath of Fidel Castro's Communist revolution, isolating most of the island's talent for decades until players began defecting in large numbers in the 1990s.

So, putting together Cuba's all-time baseball lineup requires considering players from a variety of very different eras and circumstances: Cubans in the majors, winter ball stars, Cuban National Team players and defectors.

LINKS: Dominican Republic | Venezuela | Puerto Rico | Mexico | Panama | Rest of Latin America

Here are the players who made the cut:

Catcher: Yasmani Grandal, 2012-present

First base: Tony Pérez, 1964-86 (Hall of Fame)

Second base: Tony Taylor, 1958-76

Third base: Omar Linares, 1985-2002 (played in Cuba)

Shortstop: Bert Campaneris, 1964-83

Outfield: Tony Oliva, 1962-76

Outfield: Cristóbal Torriente, 1920-32 (Hall of Fame, played in Negro leagues)

Outfield: Orestes "Minnie" Miñoso, 1946-64, 1976, 1980

Designated hitter: Rafael Palmeiro, 1986-2005

Utility: Martín Dihigo, 1923-45 (Hall of Fame, played in Negro leagues)

Starting pitcher: Luis Tiant, 1964-82

Starting pitcher: Adolfo Luque, 1914-35

Starting pitcher: Mike Cuellar, 1959-77

Closer: Aroldis Chapman, 2010-present

Cesar Brioso is author of "Havana Hardball" and "Last Seasons in Havana."