The Puerto Rican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame has officially announced its Class of 2025. The new inductees are Carmelo Martínez, Luis Figueroa, Ramón Conde, Iván de Jesús Sr., Luis “El Tigre” Cabrera, Elrod Hendricks, Roy Partlow, Roger Freed, Fernando Díaz Pedroso, Billy Byrd, Luscious Easter, Amós Iglesias Van Pelt, and Juan González.
This class brings together local legends, unforgettable reinforcements, and foundational figures who transformed the league. It is, in essence, a portrait of how professional baseball in Puerto Rico has been built – on the field and in its organizational structure.
“Each of these inductees represents a story of dedication, excellence, and love for the game. Their legacy transcends generations and enriches the memory of our baseball,” said Juan A. Flores Galarza, President of the Hall of Fame.
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Native Players
Carmelo Martínez
One of the great power hitters in league history: Rookie of the Year, two-time Most Valuable Player, and offensive leader in multiple historic seasons. His 86 home runs rank tenth all-time. He was MVP of the 1987 Caribbean Series and a member of the undefeated 1995 “Dream Team.” His name is synonymous with excellence in Puerto Rican baseball.
Iván de Jesús Sr.
Considered one of the finest shortstops in Puerto Rican baseball history, he led the league in triples in 1976–77 (6) and 1981–82 (3). He is the only shortstop with more than twenty years of service in the league. Inducted into the Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and included among the league’s 75 Greatest Players in 2013.
Luis Figueroa
A versatile and consistent performer, known for his offensive ability and skill across multiple infield positions. He is one of only three players to win batting titles at two different positions (shortstop in 2005–06 and second base in 2010–11). He led the league in hits three times, as well as in stolen bases and slugging percentage. His 37-game hitting streak in 2005–06 remains one of the most impressive offensive runs in league history. Selected among the 75 Greatest Players in 2013 and winner of the Francisco “Pancho” Coimbre Award in 2023, he holds the record for the most Caribbean Series appearances by a Puerto Rican player (13). His discipline and competitive spirit made him one of the most respected players of his generation.
Luis “El Tigre” Cabrera
Ace of the Santurce Crabbers for more than a decade, known for his devastating submarine fastball and exceptional durability. He led the league in strikeouts in 1944–45 and 1945–46, recorded five seasons with ten or more wins, and pitched three one-hitters. In 1950, he became the first pitcher to reach 100 career wins. He won three championships with Santurce, including the historic 1951 title sealed by Pepe Lucas’ legendary home run. He ranks among the all-time leaders in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, and ERA, and is one of the few players active in four different decades – a symbol of dominance, endurance, and greatness on the mound.
Ramón Conde
One of the most emblematic figures of the Mayagüez Indians, known for his consistency, leadership, and long career. He was MVP in 1959–60, leading the league in hits and RBIs that season. He ranks eighth all-time in hits and tenth in doubles. He is the only person in Puerto Rican baseball history to win championships as a batboy, player, coach, and general manager – all with Mayagüez. Selected among the 75 Greatest Players in 2013 and winner of the Pedrín Zorrilla and Pancho Coimbre Awards, he and his father Cefo Conde form one of the three father-son duos inducted into the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.
Elrod Hendricks
An exceptional power-hitting catcher and one of the greatest offensive backstops in league history. MVP in 1968–69, he led the league in slugging and is the only catcher with more than 100 home runs, ranking third all-time with 105. He was behind the plate for historic no-hitters by Jim Palmer (1968 in Puerto Rico and 1969 in MLB) and Fred Beene (1970). Selected among the 75 Greatest Players in 2013.
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Imported Players
Roy Partlow
A remarkably versatile player who excelled both as a pitcher and hitter. In 1940–41, he became the first and only pitcher to win a batting title, hitting an extraordinary .443. He is also one of just two pitchers in league history to bat over .400. In 1939–40, he threw 38 consecutive scoreless innings, struck out seven batters in a row in one game, and recorded multiple double-digit strikeout performances. He finished with a career record of 34–22 and a 2.68 ERA, while also batting .359 as an outfielder.
Roger Freed
A feared power hitter in the league, he led in home runs in 1976–77 and 1977–78 and topped the league in RBIs and slugging in consecutive seasons. His consistent production made him one of the signature offensive players of his era. Selected in 2013 to the 75 Greatest Players list, he played for Caguas, Santurce, Ponce, and Bayamón.
Fernando Díaz Pedroso
A hitter of exceptional contact and speed, he won the 1945–46 batting title with a .368 average at just 21 years old, becoming the first Cuban player to achieve this in Puerto Rico. He led the league in stolen bases in 1946–47, and on November 30, 1947, set a still-standing record by driving in 11 runs in a doubleheader. Selected among the 75 Greatest Players in 2013.
Billy Byrd
A dominant pitcher in the early years of the league and the author of extraordinary feats, he pitched Santurce’s first victory in 1939–40, produced back-to-back 15-win seasons, and completed 43 games over two consecutive seasons – a record shared with José A. Figueroa. In two successive starts, he pitched 27 complete innings: a 12-inning duel against Raymond Brown on March 2, 1941 (Santurce won 1–0), and a 15-inning classic against Satchel Paige on March 9, 1941 (Caguas won 6–5). This performance remains the most innings ever pitched in consecutive games in league history. He is the imported player with the most victories over three straight seasons (40) and the only one to surpass 200 innings pitched in consecutive tournaments. Selected among the 75 Greatest Players in 2013.
Luscious Easter
One of the most powerful hitters in Puerto Rican league history, he dominated the 1948–49 season, leading the league in batting average, doubles, triples, runs scored, and slugging, earning MVP honors. That same year, he became the only player ever to record 80 RBIs and 81 runs scored in a single season. Later, at age 40, he again led the league in home runs. He achieved the rare feat of winning the batting title and leading the league in doubles, triples, and runs in a single campaign. Selected among the 75 Greatest Players in 2013.
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Contributor
Amós Iglesias Van Pelt
The principal organizer and teacher of early baseball in Puerto Rico, he organized the sport in 1896. He founded the Borinquen and Almendares clubs, which played the first official game on January 9, 1898, at the Velódromo in Santurce’s Parada 15. His work marks the formal birth of baseball on the Island. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame in 1958 and had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Caribbean Series in San Juan.
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Team Owner
Juan González
Owner of the Ponce Lions and a key figure during one of the franchise’s most glorious eras, he led the team to championships in 1968–69, 1969–70, and 1971–72, and to the pinnacle of Caribbean baseball by winning the 1972 Caribbean Series. His vision and commitment solidified Ponce as a powerhouse in Puerto Rican professional baseball, leaving a legacy of excellence still remembered with pride.
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The VIII Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Centro Sor Isolina Ferré in Ponce. The event will be open to the general public.