Colton Centrals/Cubs Baseball Remembered Nearly 100 Years Later by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Colton Centrals/Cubs Baseball Remembered Nearly 100 Years Later

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
April 7, 2015 at 11:54am. Views: 192

Baseball has always been America's favorite pastime, but for Colton's Centrals/Cubs baseball team, it was more than that: it was life. "These men slept, ate and lived baseball. It was everything," said Mel Salazar, a Colton resident and self-proclaimed baseball historian who nominated the team for induction into the Colton Sports Hall of Fame. Salazar was successful; by unanimous decision from the Recreation and Parks Commission the team will be inducted into the Colton Sports Hall of Fame Friday night, April 10. Formed as early as 1922 by sponsor and manager Juan Caldera, the team's players were Hispanic players living in Colton and San Bernardino. The team played between the 1920s and 1930s at Cubs Park, colloquially known as El Corralón, or "The Corral," contending with other local and traveling teams from countries like Japan and China. The Centrals/Cubs also frequently traveled to play in Mexicali, playing with and against baseball greats like Chicago White Sox pitcher Gordon Maltzberger and Major Leaguers George Caster and James Leroy Faulkner. "It just goes to show you how good these players were. Some of them could have been Major Leaguers if they were allowed, but we all know how things were during those times," said Salazar, alluding to discriminatory laws preventing athletes of color from joining the Major League. Some of the players of the 1930s include: Porfirio Castorena and his brothers Aruturo Castorena, Pio Castorena and Sal Castorena; Milton Noriega; Ambrocio Gonzalez; Dometilo Duarte; Andres Negrete; Manuel Gaitan; Juan Hernandez; Juan Rivas; Cayetano Calderilla; and Remigio Hernandez. Over 150 family members are expected to be present at Friday's induction ceremony to honor the memories of the players and the near 100-year legacy they left behind. Though Salazar himself doesn't have a family connection to this team, he was moved to nominate the players both because he knows so many of their family members, and also because he doesn't want to see such rich history, nor its players, be forgotten. "I'm doing this so people don't forget them," said Salazar. "We were invisible then, but things have changed for the better. They won't make the Major League Hall of Fame, but they will make the Colton Sports Hall of Fame. They have that." The induction ceremony will take place at the Gonzales Community Center, 670 Colton Ave., beginning at 6 p.m. The team will be inducted alongside another legendary Colton athlete, Roy W. Cook Jr.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 411

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 453

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 380

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 250

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 412

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 562

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 537

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 566

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 394

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 332

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 584

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 276

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->