The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation (FBPR) announced the induction of 15 new members to the Double-A League Hall of Fame. Former Puerto Rican Olympic Committee President and international baseball giant Osvaldo Gil, who chaired the International Baseball Federation Technical Commission for 16 years, highlights the list. Gil was elected to the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Aibonito hosted the 34th induction ceremony. The other elected members are Josefina Lòpez Galarza (former FBPR executive secretary); players Gilberto Aviles, Felix Martinez, Arturo Alvarez, Elvin Rodriguez, Jorge Meléndez, Rosario Carrion, Moises Hernandez, Francisco Caratini, Larry Guzman, Heriberto Bermudez; the late Carmelito Ortiz (former team president and historian); José Arnaldo Santana (former executive and coach); Félix Rubén Figueroa (former pitcher, coach, team executive and president) and Jorge L. Ortiz (former commentator).
The Double-A League is ready for a new season. The Champions Cup (Copa de Campeones) will lead to the Double-A Opening Day, scheduled for 18 February at the Juan Cheo Lopez Stadium in Camuy. The 2023 Champions Areneros will host the Hatillo Tigres. The rest of the 45 teams will take the field on 23 February.
Camuy will also host the Champions Cup, which will involve seven of the eight conference winners. In the central conference, Aibonito Polluelos will fill in for the defending champions, Cayey Toritos.
During the same weekend, the U-18 and Women's leagues will approach the end of their season.