
donated in memory of George E. Littlefield (Photo: National Baseball Hall of Fame)
In 1898, U.S. sailors used this ball to play in what they called the "first game of ball in Cuba," 34 years after baseball had actually come to the island.

(Photo: National Baseball Hall of Fame)
Illustrations like this 1898 Collier's Weekly image reinforced the mistaken belief that American forces brought baseball to Cuba.