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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Oldest ex-Major League Baseball player dies in Cuba aged 102 | Oldest ex-Major League Baseball player dies in Cuba aged 102 |
| (about 9 hours later) | |
| The oldest former player with Major League Baseball, Conrado "Connie" Marrero, has died at home in Havana at the age of 102. | The oldest former player with Major League Baseball, Conrado "Connie" Marrero, has died at home in Havana at the age of 102. |
| Marrero first made his name in Cuba in the 1930s - but went on to have a late career surge in Washington in the 50s. | |
| He was also a hero in his home country, where he returned after the 1959 revolution. | He was also a hero in his home country, where he returned after the 1959 revolution. |
| Marrero's death, confirmed by relatives, came just two days before his 103rd birthday. | Marrero's death, confirmed by relatives, came just two days before his 103rd birthday. |
| 'Living legend' | 'Living legend' |
| Marrero debuted for the Washington Senators at the relatively old age of almost 39, a signing initially dismissed as a joke, says the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Havana. | Marrero debuted for the Washington Senators at the relatively old age of almost 39, a signing initially dismissed as a joke, says the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Havana. |
| One writer described him as a cross between a crazy windmill and a duck flying backwards, our correspondent says. | One writer described him as a cross between a crazy windmill and a duck flying backwards, our correspondent says. |
| But despite his years, his short stature, and unorthodox style, Marrero soon won over fans and critics alike. | But despite his years, his short stature, and unorthodox style, Marrero soon won over fans and critics alike. |
| Renowned for his love of cigars and constant wisecracks as well as his game, the pitcher returned to Cuba after retiring and was still working as a coach into his 90s. | Renowned for his love of cigars and constant wisecracks as well as his game, the pitcher returned to Cuba after retiring and was still working as a coach into his 90s. |
| Baseball remains Cuba's most popular sport. | Baseball remains Cuba's most popular sport. |
| And as one of players who stayed in the country after the revolution, Marrero is viewed as a link between the old professional Cuban League and post-revolution amateur Cuban national baseball system. | And as one of players who stayed in the country after the revolution, Marrero is viewed as a link between the old professional Cuban League and post-revolution amateur Cuban national baseball system. |
| "He was a living legend of Major League and also for baseball in Cuba before the revolution," baseball fan Manuel Gallego told the Associated Press. | "He was a living legend of Major League and also for baseball in Cuba before the revolution," baseball fan Manuel Gallego told the Associated Press. |