7.4.13

Zenón Díaz & Harry Hayes








Two of Rosario Central's early stars showing off some of the club's trophies.
Club Atlético Rosario Central evolved from Central Argentine Railway Athletic Club in 1904. The Liga Rosarina de Fútbol was founded in 1905, and Central won the first of their league  titles in 1908. They were Liga Rosarina champions 11 times during the  the amateur era (which ended in 1931). Rosario Central also won the following National titles: Concurso por Eliminación (1913); Copa Ibarguren (1914); Copa de Honor &  Copa Jockey Club (1916); Copa Competencia (1920). 
On the left is  Zenón Diaz , who, in Argentina's 4th international (15.08.06), became the first 'native' and also the first non-Buenos Aires player to be selected for Argentina. 
 To the right is Juan Enrique Hayes. Hayes, known as 'Harry' (his parents were English) was Rosario Central's first ever purchased player. He was 14 years old and his services cost the club a fee of A$4. In 1914 Hayes scored 51 goals for Central in a 20 match league season. Hayes represented Argentina 21 times (1910-19) and spent the entireity of  his 19 year club career at Rosario Central .
The photograph apparently dates from 1908, so among the silverware on display would be Copa Nicasio Vila  (Rosario First Division) and Copa Santiago Pinasco (championship of the second tier in Rosario).