Five Latino managers have earned respect on the bench in Major League Baseball: Preston Gómez, Felipe Alou, Ozzie Guillén, Alex Cora, and Dave Martínez have combined for thousands of wins and multiple World Series appearances. Since 1969, these skippers have proven that leadership and baseball knowledge transcend borders, opening doors for a new generation of Hispanic pilots in the majors.
Preston Gómez: The Cuban Pioneer
Preston Gómez, born in Cuba, became the first Latino manager to lead an MLB team when he took over the San Diego Padres in 1969. Over his managerial career from 1969 to 1985, Gómez accumulated 1,239 wins across three franchises, including the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves. While he never won a World Series, his groundbreaking presence shattered barriers and inspired countless Hispanic players to dream of managing in the majors.
Felipe Alou: The Dominican Star
Felipe Alou of the Dominican Republic transitioned from a stellar playing career to manage the Atlanta Braves from 1996 to 2000. In 1997, his finest season, Alou led the Braves to the World Series, though they fell to the New York Yankees. He finished with 1,033 managerial wins and demonstrated that Dominican leadership could compete at baseball’s highest level. His family legacy—brother Matty and son Moises also reached the majors—made him a cultural icon.
Ozzie Guillén: The Charismatic Venezuelan
Ozzie Guillén from Venezuela became one of the most memorable Latino managers in modern baseball. Piloting the Chicago White Sox from 2004 to 2011, Guillén delivered the franchise’s first World Series championship in 2005—ending an 88-year drought. He racked up 1,193 wins and earned Manager of the Year honors in 2005. His fiery personality and passionate leadership style made him beloved by fans, though his outspoken nature sometimes stirred controversy.
Alex Cora and Dave Martínez: The New Guard
Alex Cora from Puerto Rico has managed the Boston Red Sox since 2018, winning the World Series in his first year. With over 500 career wins, Cora has established Boston as a powerhouse. Dave Martínez, also from Puerto Rico, has led the Washington Nationals since 2016 and captured the World Series in 2019, bringing the franchise its first championship in 50 years. Both represent a modern wave of Latino managers blending contemporary strategy with Caribbean roots.
Wins and Achievements
| Manager | Country | Wins | Major Achievement | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston Gómez | Cuba | 1,239 | First Latino manager in MLB | 1969–1985 |
| Felipe Alou | Dominican Republic | 1,033 | World Series 1997 (Atlanta) | 1996–2006 |
| Ozzie Guillén | Venezuela | 1,193 | World Series 2005 (Chicago) | 2004–2011 |
| Alex Cora | Puerto Rico | 500+ | World Series 2018 (Boston) | 2018–present |
| Dave Martínez | Puerto Rico | 400+ | World Series 2019 (Washington) | 2016–present |
FAQ
Who was the first Latino manager in MLB?
Preston Gómez, born in Cuba, became the first in 1969 with the San Diego Padres. He paved the way for Hispanic managers to reach the sport’s highest executive positions.
How many Latino managers have won the World Series?
Three: Ozzie Guillén in 2005 (White Sox), Alex Cora in 2018 (Red Sox), and Dave Martínez in 2019 (Nationals). Felipe Alou reached the World Series in 1997 but came up short against New York.
Are there other Latino managers in MLB today?
Yes, beyond Cora and Martínez, other Hispanic managers have held positions in the majors, though Cora and Martínez remain the most prominent current leaders with championship pedigree.
