Chico Carrasquel - First Latin Ballplayer in the All Star Game Died
Chico Carrasquel died of a heart attack in his homeland of Venezuela. Chico was a shortstop for the Chicago White Sox and his baseball career lasted between 1950-59.
A national hero in Venezuela, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called for two days of national mourning for Chico Carrasquel.
Chico Carrasquel was the first in a long line of Latin shortstops to star for the White Sox. Chico Carrasquel was followed by Luis Aparicio and Ozzie Guillen.
Ozzie Guillen said:
"Venezuela lost one of its heroes today. As the first great Venezuelan shortstop, Chico helped put our country on the baseball map. I am honored and proud to have known him as a friend and will miss seeing him in my office each day at the ballpark. He was such a great friend, person and role model for young players."
