Not much is known of the history of Jose Ariel Contreras. The island of Cuba is still shrouded by the cloak of Communism, and information does not flow freely from there to the outside world.
Contreras had a record of 117-50, with a 2.82 ERA in Cuban league play, including a 13-4 record and league-best 1.76 ERA in 2002. His fame in the U.S. started with the eight shutout innings he pitched against the Baltimore Orioles during a televised exhibition game from Havana in 199. In that game Contreras allowed just two hits and struck out 10, including Albert Belle twice.
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