Miguel de la Hoz – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Miguel de la Hoz spent nearly a decade in Major League Baseball as a versatile infielder, bouncing around three teams before hanging up his cleats in 1969.

The Cuban-born utility player carved out a respectable career, appearing in 494 games from 1960 to 1969. He finished with a .251 batting average, 25 home runs, and 115 RBIs while playing for the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, and Cincinnati Reds.

Born Miguel Angel de la Hoz Piloto on October 2, 1938, in San Nicolás de Bari, Cuba, he picked up the nicknames “Miguelito” and “Mike” during his pro days.

He started out in Cuba’s amateur leagues before signing with the Cleveland Indians organization in 1958. Even though he never locked down a starting job, de la Hoz became a dependable reserve who could handle multiple infield spots.

Let’s take a look at de la Hoz’s journey, from Cuban amateur ball to his MLB debut, his years with different clubs, and his last season before retiring.

His story really echoes what so many Cuban players went through, leaving home during a turbulent political time, all for a shot at their baseball dreams in the U.S.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Miguel de la Hoz was born October 2, 1938, in San Nicolás de Bari, Cuba. He found his love for baseball through local amateur leagues, eventually making his way to the U.S. in 1961 during a pretty wild period in Cuban history.

His path from a young Cuban ballplayer to the majors included strong minor league showings and a tough transition that shaped his career.

Birthplace and Childhood in Cuba

Miguel Ángel de la Hoz Piloto came into the world in San Nicolás de Bari, which was part of Habana province back then.

His dad, Miguel Ángel de la Hoz Lezcano, worked as a locomotive engineer at Central Gómez Mena, a sugar mill, and he’d been a solid pitcher for the mill’s team.

His mom, Amanda Piloto Gil, was a talented seamstress from the same town.

The family had Spanish roots, too. His paternal grandparents moved from Valencia, Spain, to Cuba right around the end of the Cuban War of Independence in 1898.

They settled in Pedro Betancourt in Matanzas province.

Like a lot of Cuban kids, de la Hoz started playing baseball super young.

He went to the Güines Institute, which was sort of like high school, about 20 kilometers from home.

A physical education teacher called “Lito” Pérez played a big role in his baseball growth.

Pérez ran the school’s baseball team and liked to study the hitting techniques of legends like Ted Williams.

He gave de la Hoz and other players special hitting lessons twice a week after classes.

Sometime around 1955 or 1956, the Güines Institute team actually won Cuba’s national championship at the institute level.

Journey to the United States

De la Hoz’s shot at professional baseball came when he was just 15.

A doctor known as “Polacero,” who was also president of Liceo de Güines, asked if he wanted to join their local team. This group had doctors and other professionals, so they had pretty good gear.

In his first game, someone asked him what position he played. He just said, “All of them,” and jumped in at second base.

His versatility and skills eventually caught the eye of Julio “Monchy” de Arcos, who was part-owner and GM of the Almendares Alacranes in Cuba’s pro winter league.

De la Hoz spent four summers in La Unión Atlética’s amateur circuit.

He also played for the Pasta Gravi team in the Pedro Betancourt League one winter, which was a key step for a lot of up-and-coming players.

On September 29, 1957, he signed his first pro contract with Almendares for the 1957-58 winter season.

He’d thought about going to the University of Havana, but a $10,000 bonus was tough to pass up back then.

Minor League Achievements

In 1958, at age 19, de la Hoz started his U.S. career with the Cleveland Indians organization. They sent him to Minot, North Dakota, in the Northern League (Class C).

Getting to that remote town near the Canadian border wasn’t easy—it took several flights and a train ride, about 29 hours in all.

“It was a traumatic experience, not just for a young Cuban but Americans as well,” de la Hoz remembered about the cold and the isolation.

“For a young boy who had never left Cuba, it was a very difficult experience and you had to be very strong.”

Still, he put up some great numbers in his first pro season:

Year	Team	League	AVG	HR	RBI	Games
1958	Minot	Northern (C)	.315	6	62	122

He tied with Yankees farmhand Don Brummer for the league’s outstanding rookie award.

The next year, he jumped to Class A with Reading in the Eastern League and hit 15 home runs, a career high.

His solid play earned him a midseason spot as the starting shortstop on the Eastern League’s all-star team.

Transition to Professional Baseball

De la Hoz moved up the minor league ladder quickly.

He went from Class A to Triple-A San Diego in the Pacific Coast League in late August 1959.

Frank Lane, the Indians’ GM, invited him to spring training with the big league club in 1960.

During the 1959-60 Cuban winter season, de la Hoz made a splash—The Sporting News even called him “a minor sensation.”

He played so well at the plate and in the field that Almendares benched veteran shortstop Willy Miranda, who was considered one of the best defensive shortstops around.

The 1960-61 winter season ended up as the last for pro baseball in Cuba, thanks to Fidel Castro’s revolution.

When de la Hoz decided to leave Cuba for good, his parents warned him, “Don’t tell anyone you are leaving.” It was a risky time for anyone not supporting Castro.

On March 3, 1961, he landed in Miami with just $5 in his pocket, like so many Cuban players escaping the island.

He traveled through Mexico City as part of an agreement between MLB and Mexico, which allowed Cuban players to get U.S. visas.

He joined other Cuban players like Orlando Peña, José Valdivielso, and Orlando McFarlane in this tough journey to freedom and pro baseball in America.

MLB Debut and Cleveland Indians Years

Miguel de la Hoz made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians on July 22, 1960.

He spent four years with the club, showing off his infield versatility and steady play as a utility guy.

Major League Debut and First Impressions

De la Hoz broke into the majors at 21 on July 22, 1960, when the Cleveland Indians called him up from Triple-A Toronto.

They needed him after shortstop Woodie Held broke a finger.

He debuted against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

The young Cuban infielder logged 3 at-bats, 1 hit, 0 home runs, and 0 RBIs in his first MLB game.

The Indians had high hopes for de la Hoz after his minor league success.

He had hit .315 in Class C and earned rookie honors.

Manager Jimmie Dykes tried him at different spots. In September of his rookie year, Dykes gave him a shot at third base and said he looked “mighty good.”

De la Hoz finished his 1960 debut with 6 home runs in 179 at-bats.

Other teams noticed his potential and started asking about him in trades.

Positions Played: Shortstop, Third Base, Second Base

De la Hoz really showed his versatility with Cleveland, playing all three infield positions.

He mainly played shortstop in his debut year, filling in for Held.

Manager Jimmie Dykes said de la Hoz “doesn’t have the range for a shortstop,” so they tried him at other spots.

He got plenty of time at third base, too, though his play there was a bit up and down.

He also spent time at second base. In 1961, he split his 61 games almost evenly between second, short, and third.

This flexibility made him valuable as a utility player.

The Indians could stick him anywhere in the infield when needed.

Statistical Highlights and Performance

De la Hoz’s numbers with Cleveland were solid, if not spectacular.

In 1961, he hit .260 with 3 home runs and 23 RBIs in 61 games, covering all three infield spots.

His best power came in his rookie year, when he hit 6 home runs in just 179 at-bats.

Season	Games	Avg	HR	RBI
1960	43	.251	6	15
1961	61	.260	3	23

The Sporting News pointed out his progress in 1961, saying “Young Mike de la Hoz shows signs of becoming” a solid major leaguer.

His hitting stayed consistent, even if the power dipped after his first season.

The Cuban infielder kept up respectable averages as he got more playing time.

Impact on the Cleveland Indians

De la Hoz gave the Indians reliable depth across the infield.

He could handle shortstop, second, and third, making him a handy piece for the roster.

The team hoped he might become their long-term answer at third base.

Manager Jimmie Dykes even tried moving Woodie Held to third to keep de la Hoz at short, but that plan fizzled.

Still, his presence gave the Indians more options when building their lineup.

When starters needed a break or got hurt, de la Hoz could step in without much drop-off.

He earned regular playing time, appearing in 61 games in 1961.

Trade rumors popped up, showing other teams liked his mix of youth, versatility, and steady production.

Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves Tenure

De la Hoz joined the Milwaukee Braves in 1964 and stuck with the franchise for four seasons, including their move to Atlanta in 1966.

He worked as a reliable utility infielder and actually put up his best offensive numbers during this stretch, hitting .291 in 1964.

Joining the Braves Organization

De la Hoz moved to the Milwaukee Braves in 1964 after his four seasons with Cleveland.

The change gave him a fresh start in the National League.

Arriving in Milwaukee, he found a team that valued his versatility and defense all over the infield.

The Braves were competitive in the mid-1960s, and de la Hoz joined a roster full of talent and strong fan support.

His signing came as the Braves were building up their infield depth.

They saw him as a valuable bench player who could step in when needed.

Role as a Utility Infielder

During his time with the Braves, de la Hoz mostly worked as a utility infielder. He played at second base, third base, and shortstop, moving around based on what the team needed.

Coaches valued his defensive flexibility, and they often used him to fill gaps or give the starters a break.

De la Hoz never really grabbed a full-time starting job in Milwaukee or Atlanta. He usually played fewer than 81 games each season, which fit his role as a backup.

The team counted on his steady glove and his knack for handling different infield situations. Managers trusted him in tight spots, and his experience made him a go-to option when things got tense.

Performance and Key Contributions

In 1964, de la Hoz had his best offensive year with Milwaukee, hitting a .291 batting average. That year really stood out compared to his earlier seasons.

He didn’t rack up huge numbers for hits or runs, but he stayed consistent for the Braves. When the team needed him, he gave them solid at-bats, though he rarely got more than 200 at-bats in a season.

When the franchise moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, de la Hoz experienced the transition firsthand. He spent two seasons in each city with the Atlanta Braves.

He gave the team reliable depth during both eras. People saw him as a dependable reserve, and that reputation carried over through the franchise’s move.

Final MLB Season and Retirement in 1969

Miguel de la Hoz came back to Major League Baseball in 1969 after spending a year out of the majors, this time with the Cincinnati Reds. He played just one game that season before deciding to retire from pro baseball at 30.

Cincinnati Reds Stint

The Cincinnati Reds brought de la Hoz in for the 1969 season, giving him another shot after he missed all of 1968. That made the Reds his third and final major league team, following his time with the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves.

His time with the Reds was brief. He played only one game in 1969, showing just how few chances he had left at that stage.

De la Hoz had spent a year away from the majors before the Reds signed him. His last MLB appearance had been with the Braves in 1967, so his return with Cincinnati was really a short-lived comeback.

Last Game and Retrospective

On September 9, 1969, de la Hoz played his final MLB game against the San Francisco Giants. He had one at-bat but didn’t get a hit, going 0-for-1 with no home runs or RBIs.

That game wrapped up a nine-year MLB career that started back on July 22, 1960. Over 494 games, he put up modest stats as a utility infielder.

His career batting average was .244, with 15 home runs and 78 RBIs. He played all over the infield—second base, shortstop, and third base—showing off his versatility.

Decision to Retire

At 30, de la Hoz decided to step away from pro baseball after the 1969 season. The lack of playing time with Cincinnati probably played a big part in his choice.

He’d passed rookie limits during his debut season with Cleveland in 1960. As a Cuban-born infielder, he built a reputation for being a reliable utility guy, though he never locked down a starting job.

De la Hoz’s career really shows how tough it was for players of his era to become everyday starters. His best season saw him start 43 games and appear in 81, which pretty much sums up his value as a bench player.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Miguel de la Hoz put together respectable numbers over his nine MLB seasons. He hit .251 with 25 home runs and 115 RBIs in 494 games. What set him apart was his defensive versatility, as he played almost equal time at second base, third base, and shortstop with the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, and Cincinnati Reds.

Career Totals: Hits, Home Runs, Runs

De la Hoz collected 280 hits from 1960 to 1969. He hit 25 home runs in his career, with his best power year in 1960—six homers in just 179 at-bats for Cleveland.

The Cuban infielder scored 116 runs and drove in 115 RBIs during his time in the majors. That .291 batting average in 1964 with the Milwaukee Braves was his best offensive season.

Career Batting Statistics:

• Games: 494
• At-bats: 1,116
• Hits: 280
• Home runs: 25
• RBIs: 115
• Runs: 116
• Batting average: .251

He never got more than 200 at-bats in a season. His utility role just didn’t give him the chance for bigger numbers.

Defensive Versatility and Value

De la Hoz really made his mark by playing all over the infield. He split his time almost evenly between second base, third base, and shortstop.

Managers liked having him around for reliable depth. He never landed a full-time starting gig, but he was always a dependable backup.

That versatility kept him in the majors with three different teams. His best single season saw him start 43 games and play in 81, which fit his role as a backup infielder.

Teams appreciated his steady glove work and professional approach. Being able to cover multiple positions without a big drop-off made him a real asset, especially when rosters were smaller.

Statistical Rankings and Recognition

De la Hoz didn’t win any big awards or set records, but he put together a steady nine-year career. For a utility infielder in the 1960s, a .251 batting average looked pretty solid.

Sites like Baseball Reference still list him as a reliable backup. His numbers line up with what you’d expect from a reserve infielder in that era.

People remember him more for his defense than his bat. He could play three positions well, and that made him valuable even if his offensive stats weren’t flashy.

His career ran through some big changes in baseball, like the Braves moving from Milwaukee to Atlanta. He kept playing until the end of the ’60s and hung up his cleats after 1969.

Life After Baseball and Legacy

After his MLB days, Miguel de la Hoz built a life in Miami and became a beloved figure in the Cuban-American community. His legacy goes way beyond stats—he helped connect Cuban and American baseball cultures.

Personal Life and Community

When he retired in 1969, de la Hoz settled down in Miami, Florida. He became a regular at the famous Versailles restaurant on Calle Ocho in Little Havana.

Daily Routine at Versailles:

• Showed up six days a week
• Friends called him “Miguelito”
• Ordered multiple cafecitos at the window
• Acted as an informal community elder

He never went back to Cuba after leaving in March 1961. Instead, he spent more than 60 years in the U.S., sinking deep roots in the Cuban exile community.

His parents got a five-year tourist visa so they could visit him in the U.S., which helped them stay close during his early career. Even after baseball, he stayed passionate about the game, watching Miami Marlins games almost right up until his last days on May 28, 2023.

Influence on Cuban and American Baseball

De la Hoz was part of a key group of Cuban players who helped bridge Cuban and American baseball in the 1960s. He played 494 games over nine MLB seasons, right as professional baseball was ending in Cuba.

He played for three big league teams and put up 280 hits, 25 home runs, and a .251 average.

MLB Teams:

• Cleveland Indians (1960-1963)
• Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1964-1967)
• Cincinnati Reds (1969)

His journey from Cuban amateur leagues to the majors opened doors for other Cuban players. Leaving Cuba through Mexico became part of the bigger story of Cuban baseball talent heading to the U.S. pro leagues.

Honors and Remembrance

The Cuban Sports Hall of Fame inducted de la Hoz in 2010. They wanted to recognize what he brought to Cuban baseball heritage.

He earned this honor not just for his stats, but because he helped keep Cuban baseball traditions alive.

After he passed away in 2023, several baseball organizations and publications took time to remember his career. The Society for American Baseball Research shared detailed stories about his life and the path he took.

Recognition Details:

• Cuban Sports Hall of Fame inductee (2010)
• Featured in RIP Baseball obituaries
• Documented in baseball reference materials
• Remembered in Cuban-American sports media

Baseball researchers continue to keep his legacy alive with their detailed records. Honestly, de la Hoz’s story stands for a whole generation of Cuban players who left their homeland in the early 1960s, chasing the dream of a professional baseball career in America.