When I was 18 years old, I signed my first pro baseball contract with a team from Santurce, Puerto Rico for $40 per month with a $500 bonus.
Two years later, the team formally known as the Brooklyn Dodgers signed me to play with their minor league affiliate in Montréal.
Me convertí en el primer jugador de béisbol profesional Afro-latino en la MLB.
In 1955, I was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a right fielder.
It took a few years to adjust to the Major League style of play but by 1960, I finally had become one of the best.
In 1960, I won my first of 2 N.L. Pennants and World Series titles and I had my first of 15 All Star Game appearances with the Pirates. In 1961, I won my first of 4 N.L. batting titles.
En noviembre de 1964, me casé con Vela Cristina Zabala y tendríamos 3 hijos juntos.