The Puerto Rico Convention District Authority (PRCDA) has announced it will sponsor 'Puerto Rico's Day at the Ballpark' at Globe Life Field on July 19, 2024. The event will honor former Texas Ranger pitcher Jose Guzman, who also served as the team's Spanish broadcaster since 2004.
This event pays tribute to Puerto Rico's extensive and rich history in baseball, which dates back 125 years to 1898. It also aims to spotlight the many notable Puerto Rican baseball players who have made significant contributions to the sport over the years.
'Puerto Rico's Day at the Ballpark' will not be limited to Texas alone. Other events are scheduled to take place in Tampa on August 16, 2024, and in Minnesota on September 15, 2024. These events are part of a broader initiative to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage in baseball across various Major League Baseball franchises.
In 2022, PRCDA partnered with 21 Events to honor Roberto Clemente, one of Puerto Rico's most memorable baseball players, known for his sportsmanship and humanitarian efforts. The 2023 season saw 'Puerto Rico's Day at the Ballpark' hosted by multiple teams, including the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Atlanta Braves. Players honored during these events included Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez, Edwin Diaz, Joey Cora, Francisco Lindor, Alex Cora, Javier 'Javy' Baez, Juan Nieves, Alex Lange, Riley Greene, Joe Jiménez, Eddie Rosario, Joshua Palacio, and Carlos Correa.
Mariela Vallines, Executive Director of the PRCDA, emphasized the deep connection between Puerto Rico and baseball. 'Puerto Rico loves baseball for many reasons. We are proud that so many excellent players call us home. This sport is part of our tradition, of who we are, of our history. It is impossible to speak about our Island without mentioning Ivan Rodriguez, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, and Ed Figueroa, among many others,' she said.
Ralph Paniagua, Publisher of LatinoBaseball.com, also highlighted the importance of recognizing Puerto Rico's contributions to Major League Baseball. 'It’s a great honor recognizing the rich history of baseball in Puerto Rico and the positive contributions Puerto Rican players have had in Major League Baseball,' stated Paniagua.
Given the historical and cultural significance of baseball in Puerto Rico, 'Puerto Rico's Day at the Ballpark' serves as an important event that not only honors past and present players but also strengthens the bond between Puerto Rican communities and the sport. The initiative underscores the island's ongoing impact on Major League Baseball, fostering a sense of pride and unity among Puerto Ricans both on the island and in the diaspora.
