The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation (FBPR) announced the members of the National Team coaching staff for the WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS, scheduled to begin on November 9 in Mexico.
Puerto Rico previously announced two-time Major League MVP Juan 'Igor' González as manager of the Puerto Rican team. He will be joined as bench coach by Alex Cintrón, hitting coach for the Houston Astros. Eduardo Núñez will be the third base coach, Eddie González (pictured above) will be in charge of first base, while Edgar Pérez will be the infield coordinator. Former major leaguer Dicky González will assume the role of pitching coach, and Juan Carlos Montero will be the bullpen coach.
"We have a highly experienced and knowledgeable coaching staff for the Premier12, the main baseball event worldwide for this year 2024," said Dr. José Daniel Quiles, president of the FBPR. "The combination of experts in all areas of the game guarantees that the team will be well prepared for this tournament."
The general manager will be the renowned player agent Edwin Rodríguez Rodríguez.
Puerto Rico will open the WBSC Premier12 2024 in Group A, along with the United States, Venezuela, the Netherlands, Panama and hosts, Mexico. Group B includes Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Australia and the Dominican Republic.
The Opening Round matches will begin on November 9 in Mexico for Group A and on November 13 in Japan and Taiwan for Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Round, which will be played at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, where the medal games will also be played.
Puerto Rico staff
Alex Cintron, who will serve as a bench coach, has been an essential part of the Astros' success, contributing to the development of a potent offensive lineup that has achieved several World Series appearances. Along with Nuñez the third base coach, he was part of the coaching staff of the Puerto Rican team in the 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic.
Third base coach Nuñez is a former baseball player for more than 20 years in Minor League Baseball and Puerto Rico. He is currently the hitting coach for the Brooklyn Cyclones team, of the New York Mets organization in advanced class A. He was part of the coaching staff of the Puerto Rican team in the 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic. He is a member of the technical staff of the Carolina Giants in the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League.
Eddie Gonzalez, first base coach, is a former player of the Puerto Rico Superior Double A Baseball League. He has been involved with the development of young people in various categories and currently is the manager of the U-18 National Team.
Edgar Pérez, infield coordinator - Former manager and coach of Criollos de Caguas in the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League. More than 20 years of experience in professional winter baseball with seven Caribbean Series and seven Puerto Rican championships.
Dicky González, pitching coach - The former Puerto Rican pitcher had an outstanding career in both the Major Leagues and international leagues. He played for teams such as the New York Mets, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Boston Red Sox. He also had success in the Japanese league, standing out with the Yomiuri Giants. He has worked with the U-18 and U-23 National Teams.
Juan Carlos Montero, bullpen coach - Former player of the National Team, he has worked as a third base coach for the U-23 and Senior National Teams. He has managed multiple teams in the Superior Double A Baseball League and was recently named manager of the Polluelos de Aibonito.
