MIAMI – José Mayorga wasn’t able to fulfill his dream of playing in the Major Leagues. However, he will be able to reach another goal on Monday, when he’ll share the stage with one of his lifelong baseball idols: Yadier Molina.

The manager of the Federales de Chiriquí club, which is representing Panama in the 2024 Caribbean Series at loanDepot park, followed Molina’s 19-year career closely as a youngster and Minor Leaguer. Monday evening, Mayorga’s Federales will face the Criollos de Caguas, Puerto Rico’s winter league champion vying for the Caribbean Series title and managed by Molina.

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“I was a catcher and I think every catcher in the world followed him,” said Mayorga, who played in the Phillies' organization from 2010-15, mostly as a backstop, before spending time in the Blue Jays’ system.

“I met him once, but I don’t think he’d remember that," he added with a chuckle.

It goes without saying that Mayorga’s main focus Monday will be improving the Panamanian club’s record to 4-0 in the Caribbean Series, vying for the country’s first crown in the tournament since 2019. Molina has guided the Puerto Rican squad to a 3-1 record, and will look to take over first place from Panama in the qualifying round standings.

“Great team, excellent manager and an idol for all of us,” said Mayorga of Molina and the Criollos. “But we have a tremendous team. It’s a tremendous opportunity to show what Panama’s made of.”

Mayorga also knows that he’ll have to put aside his admiration for Molina and concentrate on managing his club. But before first pitch, he’s looking forward to greeting one of his baseball heroes at home plate.

“It will be an honor just to exchange the lineup card with him,” he said.