José Valdivielso – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

José Valdivielso’s name doesn’t pop up in the Hall of Fame, but his six-year Major League Baseball run is a story of grit and change. The Cuban-born shortstop played during one of baseball’s wildest eras, seeing up close what it meant for a whole franchise to move from Washington to Minnesota.

Valdivielso played in 401 games over five seasons between 1955 and 1961, suiting up for both the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins as the team packed up for a new city. He finished with a .219 batting average, nine home runs, and 85 RBIs—numbers that show how much teams valued his defense over his bat in an era when shortstops were more about their gloves than their swings.

Born in Matanzas, Cuba, in 1934, Valdivielso’s journey from the island to the big leagues fits right into the larger story of Cuban baseball talent making waves in American pro sports. He hit his stride in 1960, serving as Washington’s main shortstop and starting 92 games before handing things off to a young Zoilo Versalles. That set up his last season in Minnesota and, eventually, a new path in broadcasting that would define his later years.

Early Life and Background

José Martinez de Valdivielso López grew up in a baseball family in Cuba, falling in love with the game early. His dad worked in professional baseball, giving young José a front-row seat to the sport that shaped his life.

Birth and Childhood in Cuba

José Valdivielso was born on May 22, 1934, in Matanzas, Cuba. Baseball was at the center of his family life.

His father managed a Cuban winter league team, which meant José got an inside look at pro baseball from the time he was a kid.

He tagged along with his dad’s team, soaking up the game’s details by watching practices and games up close.

As a kid, Valdivielso basically ate, slept, and breathed baseball. “I played every time I got a chance until I learned the game,” he once said.

His mom, Esther Rodriguez, played a big part in his baseball future. She signed the contract that let her underage son start his pro career.

Early Baseball Beginnings

Scouts noticed Valdivielso’s raw talent when he was still just a teenager. Legendary Washington Senators scout Joe Cambria spotted him playing ball in Matanzas at age 17.

Cambria had a knack for finding gems all over the Caribbean. He searched sandlots for kids who might make it in the majors.

In 1953, Valdivielso left Cuba to chase his pro baseball dreams. Since he was underage, his mom had to sign the paperwork.

He started out with the Lubbock Hubbers of the West Texas-New Mexico League. That was his first step from Cuban sandlots to the big leagues.

Moving from Cuba to the U.S. for baseball was a huge leap for the young shortstop. It laid the groundwork for his shot at the majors.

Major League Debut and Washington Senators Years

José Valdivielso kicked off his major league career with the Washington Senators in 1955. Over six seasons, he built a reputation as a steady defensive shortstop and even took part in the only all-Cuban triple play in MLB history.

First MLB Appearance

Valdivielso made his Major League Baseball debut with the Washington Senators in 1955. Joe Cambria, that same sharp-eyed scout, signed the Cuban shortstop after seeing him play in Cuba.

His first season didn’t start with fireworks—he went hitless at first. But pretty soon, Valdivielso had a huge thrill at Yankee Stadium in his debut game there.

He went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a walk against Whitey Ford. He even doubled off one of the best pitchers of the era, which is no small feat.

He hit .219 as a rookie. Even though the average wasn’t eye-popping, his glove work at shortstop impressed the coaches.

Role as Shortstop

Valdivielso held down the shortstop job for the Senators during several seasons from 1955 to 1960. His defense made him valuable, even if he struggled with the bat.

In 1960, he played in 117 games and started 92 times at short. That was his busiest year in the majors.

Things changed in September 1960 when the team called up Zoilo Versalles to take over at shortstop. Versalles would later win MVP and become the first Latino to snag that honor.

Valdivielso finished with a .219 career batting average, 9 home runs, and 85 RBIs in 401 games. Most of his value came from what he did in the field rather than at the plate.

All-Cuban Triple Play Highlights

On July 23, 1960, Valdivielso played a part in the only triple play with all Cuban-born players in MLB history. The play happened against the Kansas City Athletics.

Pedro Ramos started it by snagging a line drive from Whitey Herzog. Ramos fired to Julio Becquer at first to get the second out.

Becquer threw to Valdivielso at second for the third out. They scored it as a 1-3-6 triple play.

Just a few days earlier in Detroit, Valdivielso almost saved a Pedro Ramos no-hitter. He was in the right spot to make a play in the eighth, but a bad hop kept him from grabbing the ball.

Minnesota Twins Career and 1961 Season

Valdivielso’s move to Minnesota closed out his Major League Baseball story. He played his final season in 1961 for the newly relocated franchise, but his numbers dipped, and he hit just .195 while younger players started to take his spot.

Transition to Minnesota Twins

When the Senators became the Minnesota Twins in 1961, José Valdivielso found himself part of baseball history. He wore number 5 as the last Senator and the first Twin to do so.

The Cuban shortstop joined a handful of other Cuban players on the first Twins roster—guys like Julio Becquer, Bert Cueto, Camilo Pascual, and Pedro Ramos.

Valdivielso took part in another all-Cuban triple play that season. The play started with a line drive to pitcher Camilo Pascual, who threw to first baseman Julio Becquer, then to Valdivielso at second.

Final MLB Season Performance

Valdivielso’s 1961 season with the Twins was rough and ended up being his last. He hit .195, managed a .234 on-base percentage, and slugged just .248.

His bat never got going. He posted an OPS of .482 and an OPS+ of 27, which is way below what teams needed.

1961 Season Stats:

• Batting Average: .195
• On-Base Percentage: .234
• Slugging Percentage: .248
• OPS: .482

At 26, Valdivielso’s performance just didn’t cut it anymore. After five seasons in the majors, he retired after 1961.

Competition with Zoilo Versalles

The Twins had their eyes on Zoilo Versalles, a young shortstop with real promise. That competition probably played a big part in Valdivielso’s limited playing time and his decision to step away.

Versalles looked like the future at shortstop for the Twins. He’d go on to have a solid career in Minnesota.

Valdivielso’s bat just wasn’t enough anymore. Hitting .195 in 1961 didn’t help his case, especially since the team needed more offense from every spot.

With age, a slumping bat, and new talent coming up, Valdivielso played his last big league game after the 1961 season.

Notable Achievements and Career Highlights

José Valdivielso’s five seasons in the majors brought some memorable moments and a reputation for steady defense. He became the Senators’ main shortstop in 1960 and played a big role in a historic triple play with his Cuban teammates.

Memorable Games and Milestones

Valdivielso made his Major League Baseball debut on June 21, 1955, with the Washington Senators at 21. That rookie season started a career that spanned the last days of the Senators in D.C. and their move to Minnesota.

He peaked in 1960, serving as the Senators’ go-to shortstop by starting 92 games and playing in 117 overall. That was his busiest year.

One of his biggest highlights came on July 23, 1960, when he took part in MLB’s only all-Cuban triple play. He and his teammates pulled off a rare defensive gem.

By late September 1960, Valdivielso lost his starting job to 20-year-old Zoilo Versalles. That move pretty much ended his time as a regular, but he stuck with the team into their first Minnesota season.

Batting and Defensive Contributions

Valdivielso finished with a .219 batting average in 401 career games. He racked up 213 hits, including 26 doubles and eight triples, to go with his nine homers.

He drove in 85 runs and scored 89 times. His numbers at the plate were modest, but that was pretty typical for the era, especially for a glove-first shortstop.

Standing 6’1″ and weighing 175 pounds, Valdivielso brought real defensive skill to shortstop. He kept playing pro ball in the minors through 1964, showing teams still valued what he could do.

Washington leaned on his defense and steady presence during those last years before moving to Minnesota.

Life After MLB and Broadcasting Career

Valdivielso kept playing pro ball in the minors for three more years after his Major League Baseball days ended in 1961. Then he shifted to Spanish-language broadcasting, working with both the New York Yankees and New York Mets radio teams. He also stayed involved with baseball alumni groups.

Minor League Years and Retirement

After his last MLB game in 1961, Valdivielso spent three more seasons in the minors, playing from 1962 to 1964.

Those years gave him a chance to keep his skills sharp and stay close to the game he loved. It also helped him get ready for life after playing.

He officially retired from pro baseball after 1964. His career covered more than a decade, stretching from his early minor league days to his time with the Senators and Twins.

Once he stopped playing, Valdivielso started a new chapter in baseball. His deep knowledge of the game and Cuban roots made him a natural for a broadcasting career.

New York Yankees and Mets Spanish Broadcasting

After he retired from playing, Valdivielso jumped right into Spanish-language radio for both New York baseball teams. He joined Hall of Famer Buck Canel as a Spanish-language radio analyst for the New York Yankees and the New York Mets.

Valdivielso got to share his baseball know-how with Spanish-speaking fans all over New York. Since he’d played in the majors, his commentary felt real and honest.

He brought play-by-play and color commentary to both teams’ Spanish broadcasts. Hispanic communities across the city tuned in, especially as Spanish-language sports coverage started to grow.

ESPN brought him on board for a while too, which helped him reach even more sports fans. Honestly, you could tell he never lost his love for baseball, even after his days on the field were over.

Involvement with MLB Players Alumni Association

Valdivielso kept close ties with former players through his work with the MLB Players Alumni Association. People respected him for how much he cared about helping former players and their families.

He really wanted to give back to the baseball community. The association does a lot to support former Major League Baseball players in different ways.

Valdivielso’s peers and colleagues appreciated his contributions to the alumni group. He helped keep important connections alive between former players.

After he left broadcasting, he started working as a retail counselor for White Rose, which is one of the biggest food distributors in the Northeast. Even with the career change, he stayed a loyal Yankees fan for life.

Personal Life and Legacy

José Valdivielso built a life that mattered beyond baseball, planting strong family roots in New York and working to keep Cuban baseball heritage alive. For decades, he worked at White Rose Food and kept his community ties strong by organizing Cuban Old-Timers Games.

Family and Personal Interests

Valdivielso married Rosa, and together they raised three daughters: Norma, Debra, and Rachel. They settled in New York after his playing days wrapped up in 1961.

Rosa stood by him, especially as he shifted from player to broadcaster. “My wife is here, and it helps,” Valdivielso once said about the tough transition faced by young Cuban players far from home.

After he retired from broadcasting around 2000, he kept working at White Rose Food, a food distributor in the New York area. The job gave him stability and helped him stay connected to his community.

Valdivielso lost his wife Rosa and daughter Rachel before he passed. Daughters Norma and Debra still carry on his legacy after his death on March 4, 2025, at age 90.

Community Involvement

Valdivielso took charge as the main organizer for the Cuban Old-Timers Game, an annual event at Roosevelt Stadium in Union City, New Jersey. These games brought back the old rivalry between Almendares and Habana, two legendary Cuban teams.

The events pulled in big crowds, like the 15,000 fans in 1983 when Hall of Famer Juan Marichal showed up as a special guest. Over time, stars like Orestes Minoso, Sandy Amoros, Tony Oliva, and Jose Cardenal joined in.

Valdivielso managed everything—he arranged travel for players and sometimes paid out of his own pocket when costs ran high. “I enjoyed doing it for the fans and seeing my former teammates, but I just couldn’t assume full responsibility anymore,” he said after stepping down following the 1991 event.

Recognition and Lasting Impact

Valdivielso showed up at the 1977 Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Cuban Negro Leagues star Martin Dihigo, who was apparently his cousin.

This connection really shows how deeply he’s tied to Cuban baseball history.

Yankees Stadium announcer Bob Sheppard once honored Valdivielso in a poem about Latin American names, writing, “What native name could I ever tell so musically, as Valdivielso?”

During his broadcasting career with the Mets and Yankees Spanish broadcasts, he got to work with his childhood hero Buck Canel, a Ford C. Frick Award winner.

“I always followed major league baseball on the radio in Cuba,” Valdivielso said. “We all listened to Buck Canel doing the games.”

He also covered boxing and baseball for ESPN, which pushed his influence in Spanish-language sports broadcasting well beyond New York.