Tony Perez is living the good life in Miami during the baseball season and is living the even better life in the offseason in Santurce, Puerto Rico, where he retains godlike status.

        No, he's not the late Roberto Clemente, but he's on the very next level. Perez, a Cuban native, is a revered Latino. He loves Puerto Rico.

        Often at his side — as she is this weekend in Cooperstown — is his wife, Pituka, also a Cuban native. Also at his side this weekend is his son, Victor; joining them today in Cooperstown for the induction ceremony is Victor's brother, Eduardo, who plays for the St. Louis Cardinals.

        “Eduardo told (Cardinals manager) Tony LaRussa he (Eduardo) didn't have to come to the ceremony (in Cooperstown),” Victor said. “Eduardo told him he knew (Cardinals regular first baseman Mark) McGwire was banged up and that he could stay (with the Cards for the weekend) and play. Tony told him, "If I see your face, you're not playing.' Eduardo got the message.”

        Perez said it would be “terrific” to have his two sons here with him in Cooperstown today. Watching Perez's sons — who were born and reared in Cincinnati — is a warm sight for those who have been around Perez and his family for a number of years.

        Perez is the assistant to the Florida Marlins general manager and travels to all the Marlins' road games. He is a trusted adviser in evaluating and working with the young players of the Marlins organization. The Marlins could have no better ambassador to the heavily Cuban population of South Florida.

        “Going back to managing is not on my mind anymore,” Perez said. “But I will never say no. You never know what can happen in the future. A good offer in the right situation might come up, and I would have to consider it. Right now, though, I am very happy.”

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