White Sox iconic player Minnie Minoso, 90, died on March 1, Sunday. According to the NY Dailynews, Minoso was found inside his car unresponsive at around 1:09 am at a nearby gas station in Chicago.
Minoso was known to be the first black Cuban to ever play in the Major League, spending 12 years of his career with the White Sox. In 1949, Minoso signed his first contract with the Cleveland Indians as a third baseman. According to Fox Sports, Jerry Reinsdorf of the White Sox said, "Our organization and our city have suffered a heartbreaking loss today. We have lost a dear friend and a great man. Many tears are falling."
Hall of Famer Tony Perez expressed his admiration for Minoso saying that every Cuban player dreamed of becoming like Minoso. His dedication and passion in the sport, his consistency and his drive to win every game is what inspired him. In 1983, his jersey number (9) was retired by the White Sox despite never appearing in a world series game. His jolly nature gained him more recognition, wherein, fans are saying that the man was just young at heart, the most interesting player of the game and a passionate baseball player.
Minoso said in his 2013 interview that he always tried to play the game of baseball with a smile on his face. He thought that baseball was his job and he needs to play in the field and entertain the fans.
Prior to his journey with the Indians, he had a short stint with the Negro Leagues from 1946 - 1948. Minoso once said that when he dies, he wanted to be playing baseball. He will be buried with his baseball jersey, wearing his Number 9 White Sox.
The Chicago player is not only known for his contributions with the team but he is also a goodwill ambassador of baseball.