Conrado Marrero, oldest living ex-MLB player, dies at 102

HAVANA -- Family members say Conrado Marrero, the oldest living former Major League Baseball player, has died in Havana. He was 102, just two days short of his 103rd birthday.

Grandson Rogelio Marrero confirmed the death Wednesday afternoon.

Marrero was a diminutive right-hander from Cuba who went by the nickname "Connie" when he pitched for the Washington Senators in the 1950s.

He was renowned for his control and for his presence on the mound despite standing just 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 158 pounds.

According to CBSSports.com, Marrero was an All-Star in 1951, going 11-9 with a 3.90 ERA in 187 innings. Marrero went 39-40 with a 3.67 ERA in 735 1/3 innings in his career.

Marrero was born April 25, 1911, in the town of Sagua la Grande, about 220 miles east of Havana.

He became the oldest living ex-Major Leaguer in February 2011 after the death of former Brooklyn Dodgers infielder Tony Malinosky.

Last year, Marrero celebrated his 102nd birthday at his modest Havana apartment surrounded by family and friends, an unlit Cuban cigar in his mouth and a baseball cap on his head. He was given an enormous blue and white cake, and savored a glass of wine and a sip of Bucanero, Cuba's domestic beer.