SPAIN – The Government of the Canary Islands through its Director of Sports recently invited some of the top baseball players and coaches from the Canary Federation of Baseball and Softball to a reception. The guests are candidates to receive medals for their outstanding achievements in sports.

The complete list of candidates is as follows:

Richard Montiel, Marlins Puerto Cruz
Considered by many to be the most dangerous slugger in the top Spanish League, Montiel has played a key role in leading Marlins Puerto Cruz to four consecutive league championships.

Last season, he belted a league-high eight home runs while also topping the RBIs list with 32. Montiel also ranked among the league leaders in with a .356 batting average, 24 runs, 42 hits, and seven doubles.

Leslie Nacar, Marlins Puerto Cruz
A mainstay of the always-dazzling Marlins pitching staff, Nacar has been a consistent performers for the multi-titled club and garnered the team Most Valuable Player Award last season.

In 2008, Nacar posted an 8-1 record with a 1.22 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 74 superb innings on the hill. The burly right-hander allowed a paltry 10 runs the entire season on 41 hits while issuing just 10 walks.

Ivan Granados, Marlins Puerto Cruz
Signed to replace free-agent Yoel Hernandez prior to the 2008 campaign, Granados pitched brilliantly in his first season in a Marlins uniform. The righty led the league in victories (11) and strikeouts (113), and tallied an impressive 1.86 ERA.

Granados was also as sturdy as he was good logging 111 innings while giving up just 23 earned runs.

Eric Gonzalez
The first player born in the Canary Islands to sign a professional baseball contract with a MLB franchise. Currently a pitcher in the San Diego Padres minor league system.

Nestor Perez, Jr.
The starting shortstop for the Marlins added the responsibility of head coach last season and steered the club to their fourth title in as many seasons.

Nestor Perez, Sr.
One of the most successful coaches in the history of Spanish baseball.

Media Release: Canary Federation of Baseball and Softball

Tags: Spain