In 1905 Capablanca passed with ease the entrance examinations for Columbia University in New York City . He wished to play for Columbia 's strong baseball team , and soon was selected as shortstop on the freshman team . In 1905 Capablanca passed with ease the entrance examinations for Columbia University in New York City , where he wished to play for Columbia 's strong baseball team , and soon was selected as shortstop on the freshman team .