The short version
- El Vocero reported that Baerga learned about the retirement three months ago when Roberto Alomar called him
- Metro Puerto Rico reports the ceremony will take place before the first local game of the 2026-27 season
- Baerga played 12 seasons with San Juan posting a .289 average according to El Vocero
- He was part of the 1995 Dream Team that won the Caribbean Series with a 6-0 record El Vocero said
Ceremony at Hiram Bithorn
The Senadores de San Juan will retire Carlos Baerga’s number 9 during a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan. The event precedes the team’s home opener against the Criollos de Caguas scheduled for 7 p.m., El Vocero reported. Baerga told the newspaper he will be joined by his wife, children and one grandchild.
Baerga expressed that the honor is significant given the many notable players who have worn the Senadores uniform. “Me enteré hace unos tres meses atrás,” he said according to El Vocero. He added it is something big for him.
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Career with Senadores
The ex-second baseman spent 18 seasons in the Puerto Rican winter league and 12 with San Juan. He recorded a .285 batting average with 520 hits in 1,822 at-bats, including 41 home runs and 234 RBIs, El Vocero reported. With the Senadores his average was .289 with 342 hits in 1,184 at-bats.
His standout 1989-90 season saw him hit .341 with 61 hits and 35 RBIs, sharing MVP honors with Edgar Martínez, El Vocero said. Baerga was also part of the 1995 “Dream Team” that won the Caribbean Series undefeated under manager Luis “Torito” Meléndez. He recalled that year as his most spectacular with the franchise.
Additional honors and roles
Baerga was elected to the 13th class of the Salón de la Fama del Béisbol Latino alongside players including Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. The induction is set for Dec. 18 at the Centro de Bellas Artes in Caguas, El Vocero reported. He called the year especially meaningful.
Beyond playing, Baerga won championships as a manager with the Indios de Mayagüez in 2013-14 and as player, general manager and owner with the Vaqueros de Bayamón in 2001-02, according to El Vocero. Metro Puerto Rico noted he began his career with the franchise at age 16 and credited coach Max “Mako” Oliveras for his development.
Where the sources differ
Both El Vocero and Metro Puerto Rico agree that the Senadores will retire Carlos Baerga’s No. 9 on Nov. 5 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium before the home opener. El Vocero provides detailed career statistics, highlights the 1995 Dream Team and the upcoming Latino Baseball Hall of Fame induction on Dec. 18, and includes multiple quotes from Baerga. Metro Puerto Rico adds comments from Baerga about his father and coach Mako Oliveras, and a quote from a Senadores staff member this season. The sources do not conflict on any facts.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state how many fans are expected at the ceremony, whether the number 9 will be displayed permanently at the stadium, or if other former teammates besides those mentioned will attend. They also do not detail the exact format of the pre-game ceremony or any future plans for Baerga with the Senadores organization.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Carlos Baerga atesora el retiro de su número con los Senadores
- Reporting Baerga recibe el mayor honor de los Senadores
How we checked this
El Vocero and Metro Puerto Rico both covered the upcoming retirement of Carlos Baerga’s number by the Senadores. Most career statistics, the 1995 Caribbean Series details and the Latino Hall of Fame election rest on the El Vocero account, while Metro Puerto Rico supplied additional quotes from Baerga and a Senadores staff member.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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