Adolfo Luque made his mark playing for, managing Almendares

July 3: On this day in 1957, Cuban baseball legend Adolfo Luque died in Havana, Cuba.

This 1947 Fotos postcard is on display at VintageBall.com, in its 1915-55 gallery.

Elected to the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 1958, Luque played for Fe, Habana, Almendares, Orientales, Alacranes and Cienfuegos in 23 winters — 14 with Almendares — in Cuba from 1912-45.

He ranks first in Cuban League history in seasons pitched (22) and second in wins (106), according to Who’s Who in Cuban Baseball, 1878-1961. Seven times he led the league in games won.

In 30 seasons as a manager, Luque ranks second in Cuban League history behind Miguel Angel Gonzalez in victories (705) and pennants won (11).

In 20 major-league seasons, Luque compiled a 194-175 career record with a 3.24 ERA. His best season came in 1923 with the Cincinnati Reds. After losing 23 games despite a 3.31 ERA the previous season, Luque (left) led the National League with 27 wins (eight losses), a 1.93 ERA and six shutouts.