History | Cuban Sugar Kings

About Us

Finding Inspiration AT Every Turn

1954 was the year the Cuban Sugar Kings came into existence in the hands of visionary and sports loving magnate Bobby Maduro as a new member of the International League, which was part of organized baseball's highest minor league level. A state-of-the-art stadium was constructed for the team in Havana by friend and investor Miguel "Miguelito" Suarez and Bobby Maduro.

The Sugar Kings were owned by Roberto "Bobby" Maduro, a successful business and sports-loving magnate. Bobby Maduro was quoted as saying, "put a ball, bat and glove in the hands of a Latin American, and he indirectly thinks of democracy and the United States." Maduro's ultimate desire was for his team to become the first international franchise in the major leagues. Focused on this goal, the club adopted the slogan "Un Paso Mas y Llegamos," translated from Spanish as "One More Step and We Arrive."

The Sugar Kings reached their zenith in 1959, winning the Junior World Series versus the Minneapolis Millers. However, the sociopolitical upheaval that convulsed the Island of Cuba in early 1960 put asunder Maduro's ultimate dreams and brought about the demise of the Sugar Kings franchise with its forced relocation to the United States (New Jersey) in July 1960.

Our Story

As the AAA affiliate of the Cincinatti Reds, The Cuban Sugar Kings went on to win the International League Championship amidst the Cuban Conflict in 1959. CSKF was formed in honor of the character that team's members comprised with various races and backgrounds.

Promoting the Attributes learned through the game

January ‘17 - May ‘16 Sugar Kings Baseball League: Our two teams from last year have now grown into a full league. The Sugar King Baseball League combines the family atmosphere of “Rec Ball” with the fundamental focus of the contemporary academies. Not all kids are meant to play in the MLB. Our league will focus on memorable experiences, including announced batting orders and lining up for our National Anthem.

January ‘17 - Dec ‘16 Sunday Fundamental Clinics in the Inner City In an effort to help raise awareness for the game of baseball w/in all communities.We will be holding fundamentally advanced Clinics at Gibson Park open to the baseball playing youth of the community. Sunday is chosen in order to avoid interference with other sports already being played.

March ‘17 Latino Baseball Hall Of Famez Induction Ceremony at Marlins Stadium during the World Baseball Classic

Cultural Exchange

MLB All Star Break ‘17 Sugar Kings Gala and Exhibit of Cuban Artist Reynerio Tamayo : Reynerio Tamayo combines baseball andcaricature with Iconic cultural figures and moments often infusing baseball to alter perspective.

April ‘17 Cuba Youth Baseball excursion: Cultural Exchange We will invite teams to play tournaments in Cuba

Goodwill

‘June ‘17 Sponsor 15 kids to Cooperstown Dreams Park World Series: Cooperstwon Dreams Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity offering children an unforgettable, pure baseball eperience.