For the first time in the history of MLB (more than 150 years), a team fielded an all-Latino lineup.
Yes: the nine hitters in the Tampa Bay Rays lineup on Thursday were born and raised in Latin American countries.
It was both cool and fitting, because we are currently in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month.
What a way to celebrate!
A team located in the state with the largest Latino community boasting an all-Latino lineup.
Not only that, but that lineup was explosive.
It produced 11 runs, and led by Shane McClanahan on the mound, they blanked the Toronto Blue Jays at their home, in Rogers Centre.
Here is the Rays lineup for yesterday’s game:
The Tampa Bay Rays starting lineup yesterday:
🇨🇺 Yandy Diaz
🇨🇺 Randy Arozarena
🇩🇴 Wander Franco
🇨🇴 Harold Ramirez
🇩🇴 Manuel Margot
🇻🇪 David Peralta
🇲🇽 Isaac Paredes
🇻🇪 Rene Pinto
🇩🇴 Jose Siri
First all-Latino starting lineup in MLB history!— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) September 16, 2022
Two Cubans, three Dominicans, two Venezuelans, a Colombian and a Mexican player contributed the Latino spice to the Rays offense yesterday.
A Latino Showdown
The 11-0 victory helped Tampa get closer to the Blue Jays for second place in the AL East, just half a game behind.
Yandy Diaz from Cuba hit a three-run home run, and Isaac Paredes from Mexico hit a solo shot.
Fellow Cuban outfielder Randy Arozarena and Dominican Manny Margot doubled.
Venezuelans David Peralta and Rene Pinto both scored a couple of runs.
It remains to be seen if the Rays deploy the Latino lineup again this month, but the early returns were incredibly promising.
Most of those hitters are accomplished MLB contributors, and others, like Wander Franco and Paredes, are promising young players with a bright future ahead of them.
It was cool to watch them go off against Jays pitching on Thursday.
Will they do it again?
It would be really exciting if they did it at home.
NEXT: Rays Make History With A Special Latino Lineup