The Cuban Giants were a professional African American baseball team that played in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The team was founded in 1885 by Frank P. Thompson, a white businessman from Trenton, New Jersey, and was originally known as the Orions. The team was made up primarily of African American players, many of whom were Cuban or of Cuban descent, hence the name “Cuban Giants.”
The team was one of the most successful and popular African American baseball teams of its time and played a significant role in the development of black baseball in the United States. They played games all over the country, often against white teams, and were known for their fast-paced, high-energy style of play.
In addition to playing baseball, the Cuban Giants also served as ambassadors for African American culture, showcasing their music and dance traditions during games and exhibitions. They were also involved in civil rights activism, using their platform to advocate for equal rights and opportunities for African Americans.
The team eventually disbanded in the early 1920s, as the Negro Leagues began to take shape and provide more organized opportunities for African American baseball players. However, the Cuban Giants remain an important part of the history of African American baseball, and their legacy continues to be celebrated by historians and baseball fans today.