Azules de Veracruz
From BR Bullpen
- English Name: Veracruz Blues
- Location: Veracruz, Veracruz
- League: Mexican League 1940-1951, 1954
- Affiliation: none
- Ballpark:
[edit] Team History
The Azules de Veracruz were a Mexican League powerhouse in the 1940s, but ceased operations definitely in 1954. Bankrolled by millionaire owner Jorge Pasquel, the team went out and signed many stand-out American and Cuban players, raiding both the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball. They won Mexican League pennants in 1940, 1941, 1944 and 1951, winning more in 15 years than many teams have won in decades in the Liga.
The 1940 and 1941 teams were especially powerful, featuring Willie Wells, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, Ray Dandridge, Martin Dihigo, Leon Day, Ramon Bragana, Angel Castro, Double Duty Radcliffe and more. They could very probably have competed with the top MLB teams of the era.
However, the Azules were eventually eclipsed in its own city by the Rojos del Águila de Veracruz who have been fixtures in the Mexican League - with a few brief interruptions - since 1949.
[edit] Year-by-Year Record
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1940 | 61-30 | 1st | Martin Dihigo | none League Champs |
| 1941 | 67-35 | 1st | Lazaro Salazar | none League Champs |
| 1942 | 39-46 | 6th | Agustin Bejerano | none |
| 1943 | 39-51 | 5th | Gustavo Buenrostro / Horacio Hernandez | none |
| 1944 | 52-37 | 1st | Rogers Hornsby / Ramon Bragana | none League Champs |
| 1945 | 42-48 | 5th | Ramon Bragana | none |
| 1946 | 41-57 | 7th | Ramon Bragana / Mickey Owen / Chile Gomez / Jorge Pasquel | none |
| 1947 | 52-67 | 6th | Chile Gomez / Red Steiner | none |
| 1948 | 43-43 | 5th | Dolf Luque | none |
| 1949 | 42-42 | 4th | Salvador Hernandez | |
| 1950 | 34-50 | 4th | Martin Dihigo | |
| 1951 | 49-35 | 1st | Angel Castro | League Champs |
| 1954 | 30-50 | 4th | Santos Amaro | none |
