CAROLINA, Puerto Rico -- Brothers-in-law José Berríos and Javier Báez have had their share of face-offs over the years, but none carried as much impact as the one they staged on Saturday night.
The Puerto Rican All-Stars renewed their family feud for a good cause, teaming up to host the second El Dream Home Run Derby and Celebrity Softball Game at Estadio Roberto Clemente Walker. All proceeds from the sold-out event benefited Berríos’ Fundación La Makina and Báez’s El Mago Foundation, both of which aim to support communities in Puerto Rico.
Berríos’ work centers on helping local kids achieve their dreams through sports, education and health. Báez, meanwhile, has focused his philanthropic efforts on helping patients who suffer from spina bifida in honor of his sister, Noely, who died from the condition in 2015.
“I’m super thankful for the help and the support from my teammates, family and everyone who came out,” Berríos said in Spanish. “I feel really proud and thankful. It’s the second time we’ve had it. There’s a lot of happiness and adrenaline from the competition. At the end of the day, it’s for a great cause. It’s for the kids, families and to keep creating opportunities for others.”
Báez was unable to compete on the field, as he’s recovering from right hip surgery, but Berríos made a pitching appearance and helped Team Makina defeat Team El Mago, 14-13, on a walk-off grand slam by Emmanuel Rivera in the fifth inning. Rivera and Jurickson Profar also provided a dramatic ending to the home run derby, which went to a swing-off before Profar won by launching a pair of dingers in the final round.
A triumphant Profar took a lap around the bases and celebrated with his teammates before being presented with a championship belt on the field. He gave out his own prize afterward, taking off his sunglasses and presenting them to a young fan in the crowd as a keepsake.
“I like these types of events, especially for little kids that are going to follow us,” Profar said. “It was an easy yes. I love giving back, especially the little kids that have the dream. Where I'm from, Curaçao, I had these types of clinics given to me when I was a little kid.”
Both squads featured plenty of big league talent, with Francisco Lindor, Edwin Díaz, Jorge Polanco, Heliot Ramos, Enrique Hernández, Willi Castro, Alexis Díaz, Martín Maldonado, Jose Miranda, Carlos Beltrán and Carlos Gómez among the players who participated. A few celebrities were also in attendance, including Latin music superstar Daddy Yankee and Puerto Rican boxing champion Amanda Serrano.
“I’m really happy to be here supporting my teammates and my brothers and be able to put on such a beautiful event for the people of Puerto Rico,” said Lindor, who suited up in Team La Makina’s blue jersey. “[Berríos and Báez are] doing tremendous work. It’s amazing. I’m really proud of them.
“It’s going to be fun. We’re going to have a good time.”
The friendly competition wasn’t without a bit of controversy, though. Lindor, who drew MVP chants from the crowd of over 5,000 fans during pregame introductions, appeared to hit a game-tying shot off Hernández in the top of the second and did a cartwheel on his way down the first-base line, but the run was taken off the board after he neglected to touch third on his way home.
Team La Makina attempted to challenge the play, but the call was confirmed by replay review. Still, Beltrán immediately made up for Lindor’s baserunning miscue by sending a no-doubt shot out to left field, which drew no protest from Team El Mago.
Regardless of the outcome, Berríos and Báez plan to stay united in their community work moving forward. The charity softball game is quickly becoming flagship event for the duo and raised over $1 million last year, providing direct funds for initiatives such as Team La Makina’s Little League teams, the Puerto Rican Olympic National Women’s Softball team and renovation efforts for Daguao Community Park, the field in Naguabo where the Díaz brothers learned to play baseball.
“We’ve always had people and family members who needed a hand,” Berríos said. “We’re always ready to help and support people in need.”