SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Latino Sports history was made yesterday at Hiram Bithorn Stadium during an on-field ceremony prior to the Canada-Puerto Rico game, when Latino Sports honored Puerto Rican legends Juan “Igor” González and Carlos Baerga. The ceremony marked the first event ever planned and executed by Latino Sports in Puerto Rico.
Baerga and González were presented with original watercolor paintings by renowned sports artist James Fiorentino. For the past 15 years, every LatinoMVP award winner has received a Fiorentino painting as part of the honor. Prior to that, recipients were presented with plaques or poster-style framed awards.
Baerga won the 1992 American League LatinoMVP while playing for the Cleveland Indians. González captured the award twice—first in 1993 and again in 1996—both while starring for the Texas Rangers.
One of our many works of art paying tribute to the LatinoMVP Awards as the photo above is from 2009, a year where Latino Sports and the Latino Sports Writers and Broadcasters Association celebrated the 20 year anniversary of the LatinoMVP Awards – Image Credit: Latino Sports
Baerga was excited to learn he would finally receive the commemorative painting to accompany the plaque he was awarded in 1992. Unfortunately, he could not attend the ceremony as he was in Miami on broadcasting duties for MLB. His brother, José Baerga, accepted the painting on his behalf.
González, however, was able to participate in the on-field ceremony as he currently serves as the batting coach for Team Puerto Rico. He was pleasantly surprised by the presentation and thanked Latino Sports for its work in recognizing Latino players and preserving their legacy through art.
Fans at Hiram Bithorn Stadium also appreciated the ceremony, as many fondly remembered the excitement both Baerga and González brought to the game during the 1990s.
(L-R) Juan González, Julio Pabón, José Baerga, accepting his brother Carlos Baerga’s award on his behalf, and Hector Beauchamp during Latino Sports’ special award ceremony prior to Canada vs. Puerto Rico at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on Tuesday night – Image Credit: Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images
In 1993, Baerga made history by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball to hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same inning. González enjoyed an extraordinary career as well. In addition to his two LatinoMVP awards, he was a two-time American League MVP, a six-time Silver Slugger winner, a Home Run Derby champion, and a three-time All-Star.
Miguel Salva, owner of the Costa Bahia Hospitality Collection and sponsor of the pregame luncheon for the Latino Sports staff, Latino media, and supporters of the ceremony, praised the tribute.
“We are grateful to Latino Sports for honoring these great players of the past who should not be forgotten,” Salva said.
(L-R) Hector A. Rosario, Director Mercadeo, Julio Pabón, President and Founder of Latino Sports, Miguel Salva, Owner of Costa Bahia Hospitality Collection, and Hector Jiménez, Consultor de Mercadeo, during our pregame luncheon at 1208 International Cuisine – Image Credit: Hector Beauchamp/Latino Sports
The luncheon was held at 1208 International Cuisine, a luxury restaurant located in Condado and part of the Costa Bahia Hospitality Collection.
Latino Sports also expressed its appreciation to Major League Baseball for helping coordinate the on-field pregame ceremony. Special thanks were extended to Lauren Hutt and Lara from MLB, who worked closely with Latino Sports to organize the logistics for this historic presentation.
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Yasmine Thomas
March 12, 2026 at 10:12 am
Amazing article! Latino Sports always makes sure to highlight our Latino athletes!