About JoGi Sports
JoGi Sports is a sports marketing firm specializing in producing premium sporting events.
Our team is comprised of seasoned executives who are deeply committed to baseball, and equally passionate about delivering exceptional experiences for the cities, teams, players, fans, sponsors, broadcasters, hospitality companies, and others we are privileged to partner with.
As its Owner/Operator, we are thrilled to introduce the most anticipated new, early-season annual series in college baseball called The Puerto Rico Challenge.
Bring on the heat!
In February 2025, JoGi Sports will proudly debut The Puerto Rico Challenge, an annual, early-season college baseball series that will feature eight top NCAA Division I teams. Over 10,000 fans, including friends and families from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico are expected to flock to the cities of Ponce and Mayagüez where their passion for baseball and the island's stunning beaches and vibrant culture will combine to create an unforgettable experience.
Our Team: Leadership and Board of Advisors
JORGE MEDINA | Co-FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Jorge Medina's expansive 20-plus-year career in baseball encompasses leading roles at SSK America and Verdero Sports, coupled with managerial experience at Equitable Life in Sports and Entertainment, demonstrating his expertise in sporting goods, apparel, and consumer services within the sports industry.
GIOVANNI ALBANO | Co-FOUNDER & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Giovanni Albano has over 15 years of experience as a financial officer, complemented by his entrepreneurial ventures in multiple businesses. His background showcases a blend of financial expertise and innovative business management, underscoring his proficiency in both corporate finance and entrepreneurship.
Email: gio@prbaseballchallenge.com
NICK RESTAINO | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Nick Restaino's extensive 25-year career in collegiate coaching is marked by his expertise in organizing NCAA-approved contests. He has notably served as the Head Baseball Coach at both Fordham and Sacred Heart Universities and held the position of Chair for the A-10 Conference baseball coaches.
Email: nick@prbaseballchallenge.com
RJ HOPWOOD | DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RELATIONS
RJ Hopwood has over a decade in Fund Marketing and Institutional Sales, this individual also boasts experience in various athletic roles. Their diverse background includes serving as an Athletic Director, Athletics Communications Director, Coordinator of College Recruiting, and a Leadership Training Director, highlighting a versatile skill set in both finance and athletics.
IVELIS PEÑA | DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RELATIONS
With 25 years as an educator and bilingual specialist, Ivelis Pena excels in designing Conversational English programs, teaching at secondary and college levels in Florida and Puerto Rico. Additionally, they bring creativity as a screenplay writer for sports and entertainment, and have experience as an interpreter for the Cleveland Indians.
SUSAN MALLORY - DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Susan Mallory has over 25 years of experience as a senior PR, marketing, branding, and communications executive. She has led divisions at top global agencies and her own firms, specializing in marketing, media relations, reputation management, event oversight, and the launch of major consumer brands in sports and hospitality
LOU MELENDEZ | SPECIAL ADVISOR
Lou Melendez is renowned attorney and a former MLB executive with over 29 years of service in the Commissioner's Office. His roles included VP of International Baseball Operations and Consultant to the MLBPA. He also notably served as the General Manager for Team Puerto Rico in 2009.
EDUARDO PEREZ | SPECIAL ADVISOR
Eduardo Perez, an ESPN Television analyst for Sunday Night Baseball and former MLB player (1993-2006), has also coached the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins. He managed Leones de Ponce, leading them to a league title and earning the title of Manager of the Year in the Puerto Rico Baseball League in 2008.
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ | SPECIAL ADVISOR
Edwin Rodriguez is known for managing the Florida Marlins, also led Puerto Rico's World Baseball Classic team in 2013 and 2017. He has experience as the General Manager of Leones de Ponce and served as the Executive Director for the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy in Gurabo, PR.