On January 28th, 1921, Julio Moreno Gonzalez, an idol of the cuban history and international baseball, was born in Guines. Over the years, baseball touched the depths of his soul. Immortalized by the nickname “Jiquí”, Julio arrived at San Antonio de los Baños in 1939, to make history. He became the star pitcher of the “Craftsmen Circle” selection and played there until 1944, when he was crowned champion of the Amateur Athletic Union of Cuba.
For the title of Artisans, “Jiquí” contributed 26 wins and only 3 losses. A game with no-hitter against ´´The Atletico´´ from Santiago de las Vegas on March 19th, 1944. Almost three weeks later, he set a record by striking out 21 batters in Vedado Tennis Club on April 9th.
After finishing the 1944 Championship, he debuted in the Cuban Professional Baseball League in the 1944-1945 Championship with Marianao team, where he played until 1948. In the series from 1948 to 1949, he played with Cienfuegos team. In 1950 1951, Julio joined the Havana Club. He pitched for the Reds in the capital in the last championship held in Cuba in the season (1960-61) and was the leader in allowed clean races with 2.03, despite losing five challenges and win 3.
In 1950, he went to the Major Leagues, playing with the Washington Senators during four seasons, with a final mark of 18 and 22 defeats in 73 games. After finishing his career in the Major Leagues, he served as practice pitcher with Detroit Tigers, when they won the World Series in 1968. He was also in the Mexican Professional Baseball League, with 124 games won, 99 lost, and average of 3.85 clean races and 883 strikeouts.
Every January 28th, the Cuban baseball fans remember this outstanding pitcher, who moved crowds and filled stadiums, because his speed was terrifying for his opponents.
San Antonio de los Baños, will remember the Guines’ Idol forever, who became an outstanding baseball figure in San Antonio de los Baños, and his Artisans Team.
On January 2nd, 1987, the best right-hander pitcher, who has stepped on a baseball field in the Ariguanabo, stopped breathing. Today, Julio Moreno Gonzalez “Jiquí”, is still present in our baseball because his feats are still remembered.