I have done most of the research for the rest of the story, and yes, the Hispanic population is huge. And a very vibrant community, very much a part of the culture of the whole area.

As an aside, when Jim Crow hit major league baseball an exception was made for 'Cuban' players. For about 15 years there were players, a lot of players, that played with a Cuban passport. When they were black Americans they had to play in the Negro League, but as Cubans they could play in the Majors. One more huge black mark for America and Baseball.