Special For The Puerto Rico Daily Sun
FORT MYERS, Florida-
When you arrive to the Boston Red Sox training facility, The City of Palms Park, in one of the practice fields there is a sign Felix Maldonado Field.
Probably young generations have never heard of him. He was never a major leaguer. He never wear a big league uniform. Period.
However, Maldonado, 71 and a very proud puertorrican, his dream came true when manager Jose "Cheito" Oquendo invited him as a one day coach for Team Puerto Rico.
"It s a very special day", Maldonado said. "I'm the happiest person in the world. My dream came true watching on the field all the Puerto Rican all-stars together".
Maldonado is in his 46th season as a Red Sox employee and have seen many great Red Sox squads. Most recently the 2004 and 2007 World Series championship teams.
"This is different. watching players like Ivan Rodriguez, Bernie Williams and Carlos Delgado it will be unforgettable", Maldonado said.
Maldonado memory has seen them all. He still remember his winter league heydays and playing against such greats as hall of famers Roberto Clemente, Orlando Cepeda and Tany Perez. Maldonado also remembers when he played in the Caribbean Series in 1959, 1960, 1970 and 1971.
After his player days he became a Red Sox scout from 1971 to 1989. He is now a player development consultant for the organization and works with the Class-A Fort Myers Miracle affiliate.
EXTRA:When asked, Felix Maldonado All-Time Puerto Rico team, C Ivan Rodriguez; 1B Orlando Cepeda; 2B Roberto Alomar; 3B Edgar Martinez; SS Jose Pagan; OF Roberto Clemente; OF Bernie Williams; OF Juan Gonzalez; DH Carlos Delgado; P John Candelaria; P Ed Figueroa; P Ruben Gomez; P Guillermo Hernandez; and P Juan Pizarro
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