Winter Leagues Playoffs 2021-2022: Caguas and Carolina Take Game Three in LBPRC Semifinals

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

LIGA PROFESIONAL de BEISBOL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

• TWITTER: LBPRC

SEMIFINAL - I

Cangrejeros de Santurce (1-2) @ Criollos de Caguas (2-1)

Both teams pick up where they left off in Game Two by absolutely stymying each other at the plate.  Caguas shortstop Edwin Diaz leads off the fourth with a single and with two outs scores from second base on Jancarlos Cintron's two-out single to left for the game's only run.  Santurce starter Luis Cruz suffers the hard-luck loss, allowing just one earned run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched.  Caguas right-hander Yordi Cabrera allows no runs on five hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings for the win.  The bullpen yields no hits and strikes out two over three innings.  Right-hander Ricardo Gomez earns the save.

• GAME THREE FINAL: Santurce 0; Caguas 1
• BOXSCORE Jan. 9
  

Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales

Caguas, Puerto Rico

SEMIFINAL - II

Gigantes de Carolina (1-2) @ Indios de Mayaguez (2-1)

Los Gigantes de Carolina earns their first victory of the series.  They open the first inning with a three-run burst and add a run in the second.  Afterwhich, it's a matter of holding on.  Mayaguez gets on the board in the fifth, and the teams then traded runs in the sixth.  Los Indios rally again in the ninth but are held to one run by Francisco Lopez-Soto, who earns the save.  Carolina starter Oddy Nunez allows one run on seven hits and no walks with four strikeouts over five innings for the win.  Mayaguez starter Robby Rowland is knocked out of the box, allowing three runs on four hits in his first and only inning of work.  Los Gigantes leadoff hitter Bryan Torres goes 4 for 5 with a run batted in, and right fielder Anthony Garcia goes 2 for 4 with two runs batted in.

• GAME THREE FINAL: Carolina 5; Mayaguez 3
• BOXSCORE Jan 9.
  

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2021-2022: Santurce Wins in 17th Inning; Mayaguez Takes 2-0 Lead in LBPRC Semifinals

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

LIGA PROFESIONAL de BEISBOL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

• TWITTER: LBPRC

SEMIFINAL - I

Criollos de Caguas (1-1) @ Cangrejeros de Santurce (1-1)

Game Two at Hiram Bithorn Stadium is a tale of attrition.  Right-hander Nivaldo Rodriguez climbs the hill for Caguas and is opposed by Hector Hernandez for Santurce.  Both starters walk off with no decisions as Rodriguez holds Los Cangrejeros to no runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts over 5.2 innings pitched, while Hernandez yields no runs on just four hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts through five complete.  Afterwhich, the respective bullpens take over, and the score remains unchanged for the next eleven innings.  Eight Santurce relief pitchers join in limiting Los Criollos to just a pair of hits and three walks through the top of the 17th inning.  Having entered the game back in the 13th inning, Criollos right-hander Alex FaGalde climbs the bump in the home half of the 17th for his fourth inning of relief.  Leading off the frame, first baseman Christian Vasquez and third baseman Ivan DeJesus Jr. wield consecutive singles.  After a successful sacrifice bunt advances the runners one base,  Alex FaGalde walks Alexis Torres, loading the bases.  Still with one out, FaGalde hits Santurce's right fielder Jan Hernandez with a pitch forcing home the winning run.

• GAME TWO FINAL: Caguas 0; Santurce 1  17-inn
• BOXSCORE Jan. 8

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

SEMIFINAL - II

Indios de Mayaguez (2-0) @ Gigantes de Carolina (0-2)

Game Two is played at Estadio Roberto Clemente Walker, where Mayaguez and host Carolina battle to a three-all tie through the fifth.  Los Gigantes post single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings, highlighted by catcher Brian Navarreto's two-out home run in the home fourth.  Los Indios group together all three runs in the top half of the fourth - center fielder Chavez Young drives in a run, and shortstop Jeremy Rivera drives home two.  Not yet done, Mayaguez erupts for another four runs in the sixth inning, highlighted by third baseman Emmanuel Rivera's two-run triple en route to a 7-3 lead and the final margin of victory.  Los Indios starter Eric Stout escapes with a no-decision after allowing two runs on four hits and two walks in four innings pitched.  Meanwhile, the bullpen limits Carolina to one run on three hits and no walks over the final five frames.  Right-hander Dereck Rodriguez earns the win, and Ruben Ramirez takes the loss after a disastrous sixth inning.

• GAME TWO FINAL: Mayaguez 7; Carolina 3
• BOXSCORE Jan. 8
  

Estadio Roberto Clemente Walker

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2021-2022: Caguas and Mayaguez Win LBPRC Semifinal Opening Games

From the desk: FANÁTICO del BÉISBOL de INVIERNO

! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO !

LIGA PROFESIONAL de BEISBOL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

• TWITTER: LBPRC

SEMIFINAL - I

Cangrejeros de Santurce (0-1) @ Criollos de Caguas (1-0)

Caguas opens their semifinal series in commanding fashion at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan.  After jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first, Los Criollos erupt for four more runs in the second.  Santurce starter Adalberto Flores is knocked out of the box upon yielding five earned runs on six hits and two walks in just 1.1 innings pitched.  Caguas mounts another four-run rally in the fifth against Santurce relievers Osvaldo Berrios and Luis Atilano. Criollos' designated hitter Roby Enriquez finishes 3 for 4 with a double, one RBI, and two runs scored, while right fielder Engel Beltre and second baseman Vimael Machin drive in three runs each.  On the mound, Caguas starter Mitch Lively allows just two hits and five walks with two strikeouts over five scoreless innings for the win.  Right-hander Ricardo Velez and Raul Rivera follow with four scoreless innings of no-hit ball to complete the shutout. 

• FINAL: Santurce 0; Caguas 9
• BOXSCORE Jan. 7

SEMIFINAL - II

Gigantes de Carolina (0-1) @ Indios de Mayaguez (1-0)

Carolina takes an early a 1-0 lead in the second.  Afterwhich, Los Indios de Mayaguez unleash a six frame long offensive with pairs of runs in the third and fourth innings, single runs in the fifth and sixth, a big four-run seventh, and conclude with two runs in the eighth en route to a 12-4 final margin of victory.  Designated hitter Blaine Crim leads the charge with three runs batted in; leadoff hitter Brett Rodriguez, former New York Met T.J. Rivera, and center fielder Chavez Young each drive home two runs.  Starter 

Daryl Thompson allows just one run on three hits and one walk over five innings for the win.  Los Gigantes rally for three runs in the ninth against reliever Bryant Salgado, but Mayaguez right-hander 

Danny Dopico ends the threat.  Carolina right-hander Jose Espada takes the loss.

• FINAL: Carolina 4; Mayaguez 12
• BOXSCORE Jan. 7

OTD 7/10/1940: Brooklyn Royal Giants Versus Puerto Rico All-Stars Rained Out at Breese Stevens Field, Wisconsin

From the desk: DEM BARNSTORMERS y BÉISBOL

The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin), Tuesday, July 9, 1940

The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin), Tuesday, July 9, 1940

⚾

"This Wednesday night at the ballpark the Puerto Rican All-Stars are going to play the Brooklyn Royal Giants, a Negro league club that was here a year ago.  This is the first tour of the Puerto Rican team in the United States.  Game starts at 8:15.  Men 44 cents and women 28 cents." - Wisconsin State Journal, July 9, 1940

⚾

Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wisconsin),

Wednesday, July 10, 1940

"The Puerto Ricans are making their first tour of the United States and are considered one of the outstanding attractions in semi-pro ranks.  They defeated the Duncan Cementers of Oklahoma, 1939, National Semi-Pro Congress champions, in a series last fall."

⚾

Manager and First Baseman

Dave "Showboat" Thomas

Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wisconsin),

Monday, July 8, 1940

⚾

Breese Stevens Field

Madison, Wisconsin

The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin),

Wednesday, July 10, 1940

BROOKLYN - Tommy Butts; Ralph Burgin; Buddy Burbage; Ameal Brooks;  Anthony Cooper; Charlie Rivera; Dave "Showboat" Thomas; Marion Cain; (?) Cresey

PUERTO RICO - Official LBPRC historian, Jorge Colon Delgado, and proprietor of Beisbol101.com, identified for me the pitcher as Rafael Ortiz.

⚾

Wisconsin State Journal, July 10, 1940

⚾

Wisconsin State Journal, (Madison, Wisconsin),

Thursday, July 11, 1940

"The game will not be rescheduled."

The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin)

⚾

 

"CHICAGO (AP) - The winner of the semipro National championship will represent the United States in a "semipro world series" at San Juan, Puerto Rico in mid-September, against the Puerto Rican champions." - Herald And Review (Decatur, Illinois), Tuesday, July 9, 1940

The reining champions at the time were Los Brujos de Guayama; they would be unseated in the 1940-1941 season by Los Criollos de Caguas.  In 1942, Hiram Bithorn became the first Puerto Rican to play in the major leagues.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Criollos de Caguas Take Commanding 3-0 LBPRC Championship Series Lead Against Mayagüez

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME THREE

(0-3) Indios de Mayagüez   3

(3-0) Criollos de Caguas     7

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/23/21 - Seeking to climb back into this series after dropping two straight, Mayagüez jumps out to a first-inning lead on a run batted in from Ivan De Jesus.  Criollos catcher Jonathan Morales ties the game in the second with a single and run batted in.  Mayagüez starter Luis Medina's wild pitch allows  Jose Miranda to score from third for a 2-1 Criollos lead.  In the top of the seventh, Indios left fielder  Danny Ortiz doubles home the tying run.  Undeterred, Caguas continues answering back.  Center fielder Jarred Duran doubles home the go-ahead run, and Yadier Molina's sac-fly gives Los Criollos a 4-2 lead.  Right fielder Henry Ramos brings Los Indios within one with an RBI single in the eighth driving home Bronx native T.J. Rivera.  But Caguas is relentless.  Jarred Duran clubs a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, giving Los Criollos a commanding 7-3 lead and the final margin of victory.  Reliever Rayan Gonzalez retires Los Indios in order in the top of the ninth to close out Los Criollos' third straight victory over Mayagüez.  Right-hander Anthony Maldonado earns the victory in relief.  Jarren Duran is the big man on campus, going 2 for 5 with a double, home run, and four runs batted in.  Criollos starter Tommy Romero yields just one run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts in a five-inning no-decision effort.  Top-seeded Caguas is one victory away from sweeping the series and advancing to the Caribbean Series being hosted this year by Mazatlán, Mexico.

1. GAME ONE
2. GAME TWO

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Caguas Criollos Whitewash Mayagüez Indios in Game One LBPRC Championship Series

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

LBPRC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

(0-1) Idios de Mayaguez    0

(1-0) Criollos de Caguas   4

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/21/21 - Criollos starter Jose De Leon pitches a gem in game one of the LBPRC championship series, allowing Los Indios no runs on just two hits and one walk with twelve strikeouts through six innings for the win.  In facing 21 batters, De Leon threw 48 pitches with a pinpoint of 44 (91%) going for strikes.  Relievers  Andy Maldonado,  Zach Muckenhirn, and Fernando Cruz join together for three scoreless innings of no-hit ball with no walks and three strikeouts to preserve the shutout and secure victory.  Caguas, playing in their first game since Jan. 7, waste no time getting ahead of the competition.  League MVP and Mets farmhand Johneshwy Fargas leads off the home first with a double, and center fielder Jarren Duran draws a walk.  Designated hitter Yadier Molina follows with a triple, then scored on a fielder's choice for an instant 3-0 lead.  Catcher Jonathan Morales drives in Los Criollos fourth run with a sac-fly in the eight en route to a 4-0 whitewashing of Mayagüez.  Indios starter Hector Hernandez yields three runs on six hits and four walks with four strikeouts in a seven-inning losing effort.

Website:

• CriollosCaguas.com
• IndiosMayaguez.com

Twitter:

• @LBPRC
• @CriollosCaguas 
• @MayaguezIndios

YouTube:

• Caguas Criollos TV

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LBPRC Championship Series Preview

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

LIGA de BÉISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

LBPRC 

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

Indios de Mayagüez

vs.

Criollos de Caguas 

The much-anticipated series between Mayagüez and Caguas commences Thursday.  Joining Los Criollos will be All-Star catcher Yadier Molina selected from Manatí in the draw from eliminated teams, and catcher/first baseman Victor Caratini who was reactivated to the roster.  Los Indios will be reinforced by New York Mets farmhand and southpaw Joel Huertas selected from RA12.  Los Criollos finished the regular season first overall, with Los Indios finishing just one game behind.  The two teams split their regular-season series at three wins apiece.  Both Caguas and Mayagüez are founding members of LBPRC, established in 1938.  Los Indios last won the championship in 2014, while Los Criollos last clinched back-to-back titles during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.  Both teams are tied for most league championships with eighteen flags each.  The winner of this series will become the LBPRC all-time leader in titles.

Website:

• CriollosCaguas.com
• IndiosMayaguez.com

Twitter:

• @LBPRC
• @CriollosCaguas 
• @MayaguezIndios

YouTube:

• Caguas Criollos TV

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Mayagüez Sweeps Manatí, Advance to Championship Series Versus Caguas

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BÉISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

 

Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

SEMIFINAL-B

GAME FOUR

(0-4) Atenienses de Manatí   2

(4-0) Indios de Mayagüez      3

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/19/21 - On Tuesday, Los Indios de Mayagüez completes a four-game sweep of Los Atenienses de Manatí and will now advance to the LBPRC championship series against the awaiting Criollos de Caguas.  A double-header was tentatively scheduled for this day hence a seven-inning game.  But a fifth game was not required as Mayaguez defeated Manatí by a 3-2 final score.  Los Indios scored an incredible 65 runs in only four games.  Mayagüez opens the scoring in the third with a two-out double by shortstop Jeremy Rivera and an RBI single from right fielder Henry Ramos.  The teams then traded two runs each in the fifth.  Manatí third baseman Jose Sermo connected on a two-run home run off Indios starter Nick Travieso for a brief 2-1 lead.  But with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and Jeremy Rivera on first base, Henry Ramos homered to right off Manatí starter Jason Garcia giving Los Indios a 3-2 lead and the final margin of victory.  Nick Travieso allows two runs on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts through six innings pitched for the win.  Reliever Jean Cosme earned the save.  Jason Garcia yielded three earned runs on seven hits and no walks with three strikeouts through 5.1 innings pitched in a losing effort.  Playing first base for Los Atenienses, Yadier Molina went hitless in three at-bats.  Henry Ramos drives in all three runs for Mayagüez.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: LIDOM Championship Game Five & LBPRC News

From the desk: FANÁTICO DEL BEISBOL DE INVIERNO

2020-2021

Liga Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

After adhering to COVID protocol and receiving the necessary test results, Puerto Rico's Department of Health and LBPRC cleared the way for the resumption of the semifinal series between Los Indios de Mayaguez and Los Atenienses de Manati.  Mayaguez incurred an outbreak of positive tests on Jan. 2, resulting in the suspension of play after just one game won by Los Indios.  Los Atenienses was previously cleared to resume practice earlier this week, with Mayaguez's ongoing testing and results still pending.  Game two is tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoon, followed by a single game on Monday and a doubleheader scheduled for Tuesday (Thursday and Friday, if necessary).  When the Atenienses take the field, they will be doing so with catcher Yadier Molina; LBPRC approved the lateral acquisition from Los Gigantes de Carolina.  Waiting for this series's conclusion is Los Criollos de Caguas, who has been keeping busy playing intramural games.  The league strives to have the championship series concluded by Jan. 27, three days before starting the Caribbean Series.

• CaguasCriollos.com
• IndiosMayaguez.com
• Atenienses.com

Liga del Beisbol Profesional de la Republica Dominicana

LIDOM CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME FIVE

(2-3) Aguilas Cibeañas      9

(3-2) Gigantes del Cibao    0

FINAL

BOXSCORE 1/16/2021 - Los Aguilas stave off elimination with a late-innings comeback effort against Los Gigantes.  Cibao jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on the strength of back-to-back home runs from Ronald Guzman and Kelvin Gutierrez.  Undeterred, manager Felix Fermin leaves his starter, Carlos Martinez, in the game.  He goes on to pitch five scoreless innings, allowing a total of three runs on just four hits and two walks with five strikeouts through six total innings pitched.  Three Cibeañas bullpen members join to hold the Gigantes scoreless over the final three innings, yielding just two hits and fanning four.  Los Aguilas commence their comeback in the fifth with back-to-back home runs from shortstop Ramon Torres and center fielder Juan Lagares.  Ramon Torres's two-out hit in the seventh tied the game at three.  Afterwhich, Los Aguilas erupt for five runs in the eighth.  Right fielder Melky Cabrera kicks off the rally with an RBI single, and Ramon Torres drives in his third run of the game.  Melky Cabrera drives home Cibaeñas' ninth and final run in the ninth inning.  Los Gigantes now lead the series, three games to two.

1. Game One
2. Game Two
3. Game Three
4. Game Four

HIGHLIGHTS: DRSports/YouTube

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Los Criollos de Caguas Advance to LBPRC Final

 From the desk: FANATICO DEL BEISBOL DE INVIERNO

Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

• GAME #4 - Caguas 4; RA12 2
• SERIES: Caguas defeats RA12; 4-0

BOXSCORE 1/7/2021  The top-seeded Criollos de Caguas played up to their standing, defeating fourth seed RA12 in four straight.  Designated hitter Miguel Amaya with two outs and the bases loaded in the third inning, doubled to left, giving Caguas a 3-0 lead from which RA12 would not recover.  First baseman Jonathan Laureano put RA12 on the board in the third, and center fielder William Rivera scored in the fourth on a force play at second to bring the Roberto Alomar squad within one.  But that's as close as they'd get.  Los Criollos picked up an insurance run in the sixth en route to a 4-2 game four final and series sweep.  Caguas southpaw Giovanni Soto allowed two hits and two walks with four strikeouts over three innings pitched.  Six members of the bullpen joined together to limit RA12 to a pair of earned runs on five hits and five walks with ten strikeouts.  New York Mets farmhand Joshua Torres earned the save.

⚾

The Manati/Mayaguez series remains frozen at 1-0 in favor of Los Indios.  The teams last played on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021.  The league on Monday, Jan. 4, issued a statement regarding two potential positive cases.  Games scheduled for Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday were all postponed per COVID protocol.  Testing has been ongoing.  The league is due to issue an update shortly.

Winter Leagues Playoffs 2020-2021: Mets Farmhand Leads Los Criollos To Second Straight Victory

From the desk: FANATICO DEL BEISBOL DE INVIERNO

a/o JAN. 3, 2021

LBPRC Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

BOXSCORE - Los Criollos de Caguas take a two-game series lead over RA12, whitewashing the Roberto Alomar squad, 2-0, on Sunday at famous Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.  For the second game in a row, Mets farmhand Johneshwy Fargas drives home the first run of the game, this time with a sacrifice fly in the third inning scoring third baseman Edwin Diaz.  Playing right field, Fargas was 2 for 3 in the game.  Designated hitter Jonathan Morales led off the top of the fourth with a home run to left off RA12 starter and Mets farmhand Joel Huertas.  The Mets southpaw yielded two runs, one earned, on four hits and no walks with three strikeouts in a losing effort.  Caguas left-hander and Sunday's winning pitcher Hector Santiago allowed just two hits and two walks with six strikeouts through five scoreless innings pitched.  Reliever Fernando Cruz earned the save.  Throwing errors in two straight games by RA12 starting pitchers have proved pivotal in their losses.

• SCORE: Caguas 2; RA12 0
• SERIES: Caguas leads RA12, 2-0

• NOTES: Game Two between Los Indios de Mayaguez versus Atenienses de Manati was postponed.  No games are scheduled for Monday.  Play resumes Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021.

• RECAPS: 1/2/2021
• Winter Leagues Playoffs Preview

Puerto Rico Winter Beisbol: LBPRC Opening Day

OPENING DAY

LIGA BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

LBPRC
est. 1938

ESTADIO HIRAM BITHORN

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Indios de Mayguez

vs.

Cangrejeros de Santurce

Mayaguez opens the scoring in the third when first baseman Kennys Vargas (MIN) doubles home Michael Gettys (S.D.).  However the defending LBPRC champions rally for three runs in the fourth on a lead-off home run from left fielder Daz Cameron (DET), and runs batted in from shortstop Ivan DeJesus Jr. (MIN), and third baseman Jantzen Witte (BOS) en route to a 3-1 victory.  Santurce starter Ryan O'Rourke (NYM) yields the Indians lone run on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts in three innings pitched but does not factor in the decision.  Bryan Escanio (N/A) follows with three scoreless innings of no-hit ball with one walk and two strikeouts for the victory in relief.  Fernando Cruz (N/A) pitches the ninth for his first save.  Indians reliever Nelvin Fuentes (N/A) gets tagged with the loss.

ESTADIO ROBERTO CLEMENTE

CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO

Criollos de Caguas

vs.

Gigantes de Carolina

Five Carolina pitchers join in whitewashing the Criollos, limiting Caguas to just a pair of hits and no walks, while striking out 16 batters.  Starter Hector Santiago (CHW) tosses five scoreless innings of no-hit baseball with nine strikeouts.  Four Gigantes relievers take care of the rest yielding just two hits, no walks, and fanning seven.  Santiago earns the victory, and Layne Henderson (HOU) earns his first save.  Gigantes shortstop Ozzie Martinez' (N/A) first home run of the winter, and catcher Brian Navarreto's (NYY) run batted in makes all the difference.  Criollos starter Ivan Maldonado (N/A) takes the loss upon yielding two runs on five hits and no walks through four innings.  The Criollos bullpen keeps the game within reach with five scoreless innings to no avail.

*(N/A) non affiliated/independent/winter.

• BOXSCORES
• LigaPR.com

Criollos de Caguas: est. 1938 - 18 LBPRC Championships; five Serie Caribe championships (back-to-back 2017-2018). 

Indios de Mayaguez: est. 1938 - 18 LBPRC championships; two Serie Caribe championships. 

Cangrejeros de Santurce: est. 1939 - 15 LBPRC championships; defending champions; five Serie Caribe championships. 

Gigantes de Carolina est. 2000 - Two LBPRC championships. 

Atenienses de Manati est. 2019 - The Athenians were first formed in 2004, but only lasted three seasons.  Due in part to a reorganization of the Santurce Crabbers the Atheniens reemerged for the 2012-2013 season.  The new Atheniens are an expansion team.  The team name is Manati's traditional local sports identity.

San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium will host the 2019-2020 Serie Caribe.  Hiram Bithorn is major league baseball's first Puerto Rican born player.  He pitched for the Chicago Cubs during the 1942-1943 seasons before serving two years in the United States Navy.  He pitched one more season for the Cubs in 1946, then made a very brief appearance in 1947 with the crosstown White Sox.  Hiram was 34-32 with a 3.16 ERA in 105 major league games and 509.2 innings pitched.

Winter League Baseball: Puerto Rico Begins Round Robin Play Minus Defending Champs

WINTER LEAGUE BEISBOL

2018 ~ 2019

PUERTO RICO

Liga Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente

Overwhelming damage and destruction wrought by the dual impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria forced Puerto Rico's professional league into playing an abbreviated 35-game regular season, with just four teams.  Los Indios de Mayguez topped the circuit with a 21-14 record.  The now former back-to-back defending champion Criollos de Caguas - who's home ballpark was deemed damaged beyond repair - tumbled into last place with a 16-20 mark, thus disqualifying them from postseason play.  The three remaining teams will now play a round robin tourney (Jan. 2-21), whereby each club faces one another other six times, with the two best records advancing to the championship series.  The new LBPRC champion will then advance to the Caribbean Series (won last year by Los Criollos de Caguas representing Puerto Rico).

Indios de Mayaguez ~ The Indians

Est. 1938 ~ 18 League Championships

First Place: 21-14

Isidoro Garcia Stadium, IMAGE 

Home of the Mayaguez Indians

Gigantes de Carolina ~ The Giants

Est. 1939 ~ 14 League Championships

Second Place: 17-18

Roberto Clemente Stadium

Home of the Carolina Giants

Cangrejeros de Santurce ~ The Crabbers

Est. 2000 ~ 2 League Championships

Third Place: 17-19

Hiram Bithorn Stadium
Home of the Crabbers

est. 1938

Yldefonso Sola Morales Stadium

Former Home of Los Criollos de Caguas

LBPRC Scoreboards, Boxscores, Gameday

RESULTS
1/2/2019 - Mayaguez 6; Santurce 5