Final answer:
The article's central idea is that the Negro Leagues and Latin America have a deep and enduring interconnection, reflected in the historical collaboration and shared experiences through baseball.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which statement expresses the central idea of the article, we look at the historical context provided, showcasing the deep connections between the Negro Leagues and Latin America. The article describes the interaction between ballplayers from the Negro Leagues and major leagues with Latin American countries. It illustrates how Latin American players became prominent figures within the Negro Leagues and as activists against segregation. The article also emphasizes the cultural exchange and shared experiences across race lines facilitated by baseball, represented by events such as the 'Colored World Series' and teams like the Cuban Stars, which points to a continuous interconnection.
Taking into account this history, the statement that best captures the central idea is that the Negro Leagues and Latin America are intertwined. This is backed up by the evidence of collaborative tours, shared struggles for racial equality, and the reciprocal influence that shaped both baseball and broader social relations. The statement that the Negro Leagues and Latin America have had no connection is directly contradicted by the historical evidence presented, as is the notion that they are unrelated. The statement that they have a long history of collaboration is true but does not encapsulate the full depth of their connection as the chosen statement does.