The Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League announced the start of the 2024-25 season to be held on Saturday, November 9 at the <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/06/jesus-sanchez-drove-in-the-winning-run-for-miami-marlins/" title="Jesús Sánchez drove in the winning run for Miami Marlins”>Loan Depot Park in Miami with a game where they host the Criollos de Caguas. This game is part of the ‘Clash of Giants’, which will also participate: the Leones del Caracas, the Cardinals of Lara, the Eastern Stars and the Navigators of Magellan.
The first game to be held in the newly remodeled Hiram Bithorn Stadium will be on November 20 against the Carolina Giants starting at 7:21pm.
Omar López is the new leader of Cangrejeros de Santurce for this season. López incorporates his experience in professional baseball, he was a player, scout and manager in Minor League Baseball (MiLB). He is the bench coach of the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB), a position he has held since 2024. He has worked in the Astros organization since 1999 and also managed the Venezuelan national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
The president of the team, Atty. Carlos Iguina, announced that the dedication of the 2024-2025 season will be to Pedrín Zorrilla Martínez, founder and player of the Cangrejeros de Santurce, in celebration of the 85th anniversary. Pedrín Zorrilla internationalized the sport in Puerto Rico and made it known in the Caribbean and the United States. He interacted with important players, and above all, he cultivated a sincere friendship with many personalities. On the professional side, in addition to playing semi-professional baseball as a second baseman and catcher before 1938, Pedrín Zorrilla was a baseball scout for several Major League teams, mainly the San Francisco Giants for more than 20 years and then the Chicago Cubs. His knowledge of the game and ability to recognize talented players led him to sign professional players of the caliber of Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, Rubén Gómez, Juan Terín Pizarro, José Antonio Pagán, Julio Navarro, Carmelo Martínez, Henry Cotto and many others.
‘Leadership and experience will be a solid factor this season. Jack Lopez, our team captain, who is coming off a successful season with the Los Angeles Angels, will be arriving in early November. Roy Morales had a solid and successful season with the Milkmen of the American Association. Ruben Castro is back from the Quebec Capitals and Brian Navarreto joins from the Milwaukee Brewers minor league. Together with Jan Carlos Cintrón and other native players,’ said Joey Solá, sports manager.
‘Players who have been integrated are Eduardo Rivera with his left arm, he had a tremendous season in the Boston Red Sox affiliate, Salem Red Sox, he shows a lot of speed and good pitching to be a high quality starter in our league for the future . Reliever Jameson McGrane, a native of Framingham, Massachusetts, reinforces the bullpen,’ commented Solá.
Left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarez is added to the list of imported players. He has 10 seasons in the Major Leagues (Detroit, Angels, Philadelphia and San Francisco); Félix Pérez, the outfielder and first baseman, native of Cuba, has extensive professional experience with the Cincinnati Reds, Golden Eagles, Leones del Caracas and recently with the Olmecas de Tabasco, posting an average of .372 and an OPS of .996 in 43 games. Pérez, without a doubt, will be key in the Cangrejeros squad this coming season. Bryan Chi joins the Cangrejeros bullpen, the right-handed pitcher, a native of Cuba, currently belongs to the Rangers organization in the minor league. Ryan Meisinger reinforces the bullpen, the pitcher has belonged to different MLB organizations and recently became champion with the Red Devils in Mexico.
The imported Jordan Johnson will wear the colors of Santurce; The right-hander recently had a solid season with the Milwaukee Milkmen where in 38 appearances he established a total of 50 strikeouts, in 44 innings and an ERA of 2.25. Garvin Alston Jr. joins the bullpen, the left-hander belongs to the Nationals organization in Triple-A. Austin Bergner, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, joins the Santurcino bullpen with his good fastball and great changeup. Bergner is currently assigned to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves. Leonardo Rivas will wear the colors of Santurce. The infielder brings his impressive defensive ability, speed on the bases and consistent hitting, Rivas promises to be a key piece in our lineup. His addition not only strengthens our infield, but also adds depth and versatility to our team.
Starter Felix Doubront joins Santurce with his vast experience and seniority, bringing great strength to our bullpen. Jorge Barrosa, who joins our team as an outfielder, currently belongs to the Diamondbacks in Triple-A, put up very good numbers in his last season, with a .266 average, 9 home runs, 50 runs batted in and 13 stolen bases in the minors. . Import pitcher Matt Tenuta returns; the lefty was a great asset for
The coaching staff will include Luis Matos as bench coach, Dave Hudgens as pitching coach, Jose ‘Cheo’ Rosado as hitting coach, veteran Hiram Bocachica as first base coach, Jose ‘Pito’ Hernández as third base coach, Kevin Torres as quality control coach, coach Lester Garcia and Wigberto Nevárez as bullpen and game planning coach. The sports direction is under the experience of Joey Solá.
The matches will be broadcast via streaming through the new League application where you can find out the itinerary, game results, statistics, access to videos, streaming and television, interviews and connection to purchase tickets, among others. others.
Promoting family enjoyment, the team joins the LBPRC initiative in providing free entry to all parks for boys and girls aged 12 or younger who are accompanied by an adult. Every Sunday, at the end of the game, children are allowed onto the field for the traditional baserunning.
GAMES OF GREAT IMPORTANCE
November 20 will be the local opening game at Hiram vs. Carolina Giants sponsored by the National Guard.
On November 23 we started the City Champ Opener vs the Senators of San Juan. This night will be dedicated to the Veterans of the United States Army;
On December 6 we will celebrate the commemorative night of Peruchín Cepeda in collaboration with his foundation;
On DECEMBER 14, Puerto Rican heritage night in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
On December 21 we will have Roberto Clemente Day.
On January 3rd we started warming up the street parties with live music.
