Zoilo Versalles

Zoilo Casanova Versalles Rodriguez (December 18, 1939–June 9, 1995) was a Cuban shortstop in Major League Baseball, considered to be a great fielder, a solid leadoff man, and a brilliant baserunner. He was the sparkplug that led the 1965 Minnesota Twins to their first World Series. He was voted the American League Most Valuable Player in 1965. Versalles had a hard time adjusting to life in the U.S., and was eternally homesick for his native Cuba.... more

Zoilo Casanova Versalles Rodriguez (December 18, 1939–June 9, 1995) was a Cuban shortstop in Major League Baseball, considered to be a great fielder, a solid leadoff man, and a brilliant baserunner. He was the sparkplug that led the 1965 Minnesota Twins to their first World Series. He was voted the American League Most Valuable Player in 1965. Versalles had a hard time adjusting to life in the U.S., and was eternally homesick for his native Cuba. In 1967 he was traded by Minnesota; leading to his decline as a major talent. From that point, Versalles went from team to team, until he formally retired in 1972. He was born in El Vedado, Havana, Cuba and died in Bloomington, Minnesota. Versalles played for the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins from 1959 through 1967, the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968, the Cleveland Indians and Washington Senators in 1969, and the Atlanta Braves in 1971. In 1972, he played in Japan for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. During his 1965 MVP season, he led the American... less