Winter league announces retirement of Carlos Beltrán’s number 15
‘La Pro’ dedicates season to Candy Maldonado
By THE STAR STAFF
The Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC by its initials in Spanish) -- known as “La Pro” -- unveiled details over the weekend regarding its 2026-27 “COPA BRAVA LUBRICANTS” season, which begins on Nov. 4.
The winter league will permanently retire Carlos Beltrán’s number 15, dedicate the season to Cándido “Candy” Maldonado, and render a special tribute to the commissioner of the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC), Juan Francisco Puello Herrera.
La Pro to permanently retire Beltrán’s No. 15
During a press conference in Guaynabo on Saturday, La Pro President Juan A. Flores Galarza announced that the league’s board of directors voted unanimously to permanently retire the number 15 worn by Beltrán throughout his distinguished professional baseball career.
With the move, Beltrán joins an elite group of legends whose numbers have been retired by the LBPRC, including Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda, Roberto Alomar, Edgar Martínez, Iván Rodríguez and Tony Pérez. The retirement of the number 15 will apply across all six La Pro franchises, as well as to any teams representing Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Series, the Americas Series, or any other international competition sanctioned by the league.
The official ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Hato Rey, prior to the opening game between the defending champion Cangrejeros of Santurce and the runner-up Leones of Ponce.
With the tribute, La Pro honors Beltrán’s extraordinary career, his contributions to Puerto Rican baseball and the legacy he has left for future generations of players.
Season dedicated to Maldonado
The LBPRC also announced that the upcoming season will be dedicated to Cándido “Candy” Maldonado, one of the most prominent figures in Puerto Rican professional baseball.
Maldonado was named Rookie of the Year for the 1978-79 season and hit 92 home runs during his time in winter baseball -- a total that ranks him eighth on the La Pro all-time list.
His career includes 15 seasons in Major League Baseball and a World Series championship with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Maldonado was inducted into the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023.
The official dedication will also take place during the opening ceremony on Nov. 4 at Bithorn, where Maldonado’s career and contributions to Puerto Rican baseball will be celebrated.
Recognition of Caribbean Commissioner Puello Herrera
As part of the Nov. 4 opening ceremonies, the LBPRC will present a special recognition to Puello Herrera for his 34 years of service and contributions to the development and strengthening of professional baseball in the Caribbean.
Puello Herrera has announced his decision to retire, effective July 2027 following his final winter campaign at the helm of the CBPC.
In light of his upcoming retirement, the confederation’s assembly has approved a plan for each of its four member leagues to pay tribute to Puello Herrera during their respective seasons, in recognition of his long-standing career and leadership.
La Pro will host its recognition on Nov. 4 at Bithorn as part of a day dedicated to figures who have left a lasting mark on professional baseball.
Danny Ortiz to receive Luis Rodríguez Olmo Presidential Award
Outfielder Danny Ortiz of the Indios of Mayagüez will be honored with the Luis Rodríguez Olmo Presidential Award -- a distinction granted by “La Pro” to a player who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Puerto Rican professional baseball and has served as an outstanding ambassador for the organization.
Ortiz joins Emmanuel Rivera, Jack López and Vimael Machín, who received the honor in the three previous editions.
The presentation ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 4 p.m., prior to the game between the Criollos of Caguas and the Indios at Isidoro “Cholo” García Stadium in Mayagüez.
Opening day in three stadiums
Opening day, Nov. 4, will feature three games scheduled for 7 p.m.
Besides the Cangrejeros-Leones matchup at Bithorn, the Senadores of San Juan will visit the Criollos of Caguas at Yldefonso Solá Morales Stadium, and the Indios will face the Gigantes of Carolina at Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium in Carolina.
The six teams will play a 40-game regular season, with the top four teams advancing to the postseason, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 2, 2027.
