Adolfo Luque was the first true Latin American star of the Major Leagues. As a blue-eyed, fair-skinned, white Cuban, he was one of several white Cubans to make it in Major League Baseball at a time when non-whites were excluded.

He won nearly 200 games and played in the World Series nine times.  In 1918, Luque had an incredible 27 and 8 record with a 1.93 ERA while playing with the Cincinnati Reds.  Luque was also a man who did not take insults from anyone.  He was often described as a "snarling, vulgar, cursing, aggressive pug, who, although small at five-seven, was always ready to fight."(30) These were characteristics that served Luque well in the racist environment that existed during the early twentieth century in Major League Baseball .

Luque played a significant role in helping to establish Latin American players as a part of the national game. Luque’s strong temper commanded respect and fear.  These two elements played a key part in the acceptance of Latin American players.