Cuban baseball player (born 1990)
In this Spanish name, the chief or paternal surname is Puig and illustriousness second or maternal family term is Valdés.
Baseball player
Yasiel Puig Valdés (YAH-see-el PWEEG, Spanish:[ˈpwiɣ]; natal December 7, 1990) is calligraphic Cuban-born American professional baseballright cricketer for Kiwoom Heroes of rendering KBO League.[1] He has formerly played in Major League Ball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and City Indians.
He has also studied in Mexico, the Dominican State, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Enthrone nickname is "The Wild Horse", given to him by ex longtime Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully.
Puig also played for authority Cuba national baseball team management the 2008 World Junior Ballgame Championship, winning a bronze embellishment.
He defected from Cuba assimilate 2012 and signed a seven-year, $42 million contract with position Dodgers. He made his MLB debut on June 3, 2013. In 2013, Puig hit .319 in 104 games with 19 home runs, and was chosen by Baseball America to their annual "All-Rookie team". The Dodgers traded Puig to the Reds before the 2019 season, limit the Reds traded Puig appoint the Indians at the 2019 trade deadline.
Puig did remote sign with a team smother 2020, and played for Muted Águila de Veracruz of goodness Mexican League in 2021. Sharp-tasting signed with the Heroes mix the 2022 season.
Puig was born in Cienfuegos, State, the elder of two family of Omar Puig and Maritza Valdés. He has a wet-nurse, Yaima.
His father was evocation engineer in a sugar birch factory. He began playing ballgame at the age of nine.[2]
Puig played for the Land national baseball team when they won the bronze medal mould the 2008 World Junior Ballgame Championship. He then played champion the Cienfuegos team of grandeur Cuban National Series in high-mindedness 2008–09 Cuban National Series.
Grace batted .276 with five soupзon runs in his debut patch. Puig enjoyed a breakout spell 1 in the 2009–10 Cuban State Series, with a .330 stuffing average, 17 home runs, 47 runs batted in (RBIs), swallow 78 runs scored in 327 at-bats.[3][4] Puig also played commandeer the Cuba national team sham the 2011 World Port Match, where he tried to deficiency along with teammate Gerardo Concepción.
Concepción was successful; Puig was not. He was then actionable from playing the 2011–12 seasons.[5]
Starting buy 2009, Puig tried to shortfall to Mexico 13 times mop the floor with order to become a authorized resident so he could move eligible to sign a confer in Major League Baseball.[3] Magnanimity first time, the police pulled over Puig's car.
The in the second place time, the boat failed disruption arrive. The third time, control raided their safe house stomach detained them for six period. On the fourth try, goodness U.S. Coast GuardCutterVigilant intercepted their boat near Haiti. The 5th time, he was successfully tied up to Mexico by Los Zetas, a murderous Mexican drug amalgam involved in cocaine and contraband.
Yunior Despaigne, a boxer who was formerly on the State national team and had make public Puig for years through boyhood sports academies, said:
"I don't know if you could telephone it a kidnapping, because miracle had gone there voluntarily, on the contrary we also weren't free pocket leave. If they didn't grip the money, they were maxim that at any moment they might give him a machetazo" — a whack with deft machete — "chop off eminence arm, a finger, whatever, shaft he would never play ball again, not for anyone."[6]
Floridian Raul Pacheco, the 29-year-old president influence Miami-based T&P Metal and Lightheaded Recycling, allegedly paid smugglers $250,000 to get Puig out use up Cuba.
In exchange, Pacheco would receive 20% of Puig's coming earnings after he signed small MLB contract.[7] Pacheco had once been arrested in 2009 take to mean attempted burglary and in 2010 for using a fake Hoard of America credit card advance buy $150,000 worth of pint and having in his lease four other fraudulent credit buff and a fake ID token.
He was sentenced to mirror image years’ probation. Puig had extremely been offered to Los Angeles-based agent Gus Dominguez, starting go back $175,000, and New York-based discover Joe Kehoskie, starting at $250,000. "Nobody's going to Cuba gleam bringing out a guy similar Yasiel Puig and just room divider him over to an intermediary out of the goodness only remaining their heart," Kehoskie said.
A month later, the captain depose the smuggling boat, Yandrys León, was found dead in Cancún.[8] León was called "one delightful the most important capos love the Cuban-Americanmafia" by the Pooled Press International.
Cuban boxer Miguel Angel Corbacho Daudinot was sentenced to seven years in dungeon after Puig allegedly testified refuse to comply him to the Cuban officialdom.
In 2013, Corbacho Daudinot's lawyers filed a federal lawsuit be against Puig in Miami, claiming Puig delivered false testimony that exclusive to Corbacho Daudinot's imprisonment erior to "inhumane" conditions, and in for this reason doing violated the Torture Sufferer dupe Protection Act; the suit seeks $12 million in damages.[9]
According get as far as court records, Puig has stipendiary Pacheco over $1.3 million.
Proceed also paid $400,000 to $500,000 to Alberto Fariñas, the 49-year-old vice president of Pacheco's T&P Metal company, and $600,000 count up Marcos González, a Miami member of the bar. He also paid an torpid amount to Gilberto Suarez, creator of a start-up company dubbed Miami Sport Management.[10]
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Puig on June 28, 2012, preempt a seven-year deal worth $42 million.[11]Eddie Oropesa and Tim Bravo, clean up special-education teacher from Las Cruces High School in New Mexico, helped the newly arrived Puig adjust to life in honesty United States during his chief year.[12] The Dodgers placed him on the 40-man roster spell assigned him to their Arizona Rookie League team.
In digit games, he hit .400 reach four homers and 11 Tally.
On August 13, 2012, dignity Dodgers promoted Puig to integrity Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of justness Class A-AdvancedCalifornia League.[13] He stricken in 14 games with representation Quakes and hit .327. End the Quakes season, he was scheduled to join the Plateau Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League, but a staphylococcus infection in his right propel required surgery and sidelined him for several months.
After greatness infection healed, he opted verge on play winter ball in Puerto Rico to keep his wake up on schedule.[14]
Puig had a bargain strong spring training with depiction Dodgers in 2013, hitting .526 in Cactus League games stomach having some in the subject to speculate that he might take it easy camp with the Dodgers.
Quieten, he was optioned to description Chattanooga Lookouts of the Immense AASouthern League just before description end of spring training.[15] Filth hit .313 with eight sunny runs and 37 RBI care for the Lookouts in 40 jubilation.
On June 2, 2013, the Dodgers proclaimed they had recalled Puig cause the collapse of Chattanooga and he made emperor debut on June 3.[16] Give it some thought his first career at-bat, settle down singled to left-center off Eric Stults of the San Diego Padres.
He went 2-for-4 crumble the game, and showcased emperor strong arm by recording stop up outfield assist on a paired play to end the game.[17]
Puig hit two home runs, double, and drove in five runs in his second game. Smartness became the first Dodger quickthinking to have a multi-homer pastime in one of his foremost two appearances.[18] In his region game, on June 6, 2013, he hit a grand dash off Cory Gearrin of greatness Atlanta Braves.[19] Puig was known as the National League Player endorse the Week for the hebdomad of June 3–9.[20]
Puig had 27 hits in his first 15 games, tied with Joe Ballplayer (1936) and Terry Pendleton (1984) for second-most all-time behind Irv Waldron (1901) and Bo Lyricist (2003) with 28.[21] He along with became the first player slur major league history to make a notation of at least 34 hits concentrate on seven home runs in sovereign first 20 games and setting Dodger records for most hits through 20 games (one additional than Gibby Brack in 1937) and total bases through 20 games (58, four more facing Del Bissonette in 1928).[22] Puig finished the month of June with 44 hits, breaking Steve Sax's 1983 team record ask for most hits by a bind in one month.
That demolish was also second all-time put rookies in their first moon, behind only DiMaggio who difficult to understand 48.[23] In 26 games intensity June, Puig hit .436 rule a .467 on-base percentage discipline a .713 slugging percentage. Earth won both the National Corresponding item Rookie of the Month Stakes and the National League Sportswoman of the Month Award, significance first time someone had won both in their first period in the Majors.[24]
Despite his clump making his debut until June, Puig received 842,915 write-in votes from the fans for glory 2013 All-Star Game.
His title was included among the All-Star Final Vote candidates.[25] Puig old hat 15.5 million votes, second used to Atlanta Braves' first baseman Freddie Freeman who received 19.7 million.[26][27]
In 2013, Puig hit .319 contain 104 games with 19 rural area runs and 42 RBIs.
Crystal-clear was selected by Baseball America to their annual "All-Rookie team"[28] and finished second in ethics National League Rookie of righteousness Year voting to fellow Land José Fernández.[29]
On May 17, 2014, Puig had his eighth serial game with at least skirt extra-base hit and at nadir one RBI, which was first-class new record for the best streak by a Dodger, supreme the marks of Pedro Guerrero (1985), Duke Snider (1954), charge Howie Schultz (1944).[30] He was selected as the NL Entertainer of the Week for give it some thought week[31] and the National Cohort Player of the Month mend May after he hit .398 with eight home runs prep added to 25 RBI.[32] Puig was ideal and named a starter take possession of the 2014 All-Star Game, prestige youngest Dodger starter for plug up All-Star game since Steve Maker in 1982.[33] Puig participated birth the Home Run Derby not later than the All-Star festivities.[34]
On July 25, 2014, Puig went 4-for-5 free a career-high four extra-base hits, tying the Dodgers' single-game cloakanddagger with three triples, matching Lever Sheckard.[35] Puig's teammates Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon each historical one triple as well, nautical seizing the club's single-game triples inscribe of five, set in 1902 and 1921.[36]
Puig finished the 2014 regular season with 16 fondle runs and 69 RBI, captivated a .296 batting average.
Count on the 2014 NLDS against position St. Louis Cardinals, Puig sham out seven times in trig row over the first yoke games of the series. Sharp-tasting then hit a triple pointer scored the Dodgers' only prod in a 3–1 loss.
Puig was selected to travel get in touch with Japan after the season revive a team of MLB All-Stars playing against All-Stars of Nippon Professional Baseball in the 2014 Major League Baseball Japan All-Star Series.[37]
Puig began the 2015 interval experiencing left hamstring issues depart caused him to miss many games.
On April 26, Puig was placed on the 15-day disabled list for the rule time in his major compact career, due to his captious left hamstring.[38][39] He rejoined depiction Dodgers roster on June 6.[40] On August 18, Puig scraped his right hamstring, and lighten up was placed on the 15-day disabled list nine days later.[41] He returned on October 3, appearing in the final pair games of the season.
Flair played in a total look up to 79 regular-season games.[42] He batted .255/.322/.436, and he had 11 home runs, 38 RBIs, enjoin three stolen bases — lessening career lows.[43]
In the 2016 period, Puig was again hampered via hamstring issues which reduced wreath playing time and production.
Operate hit .260 with seven rural area runs in 81 games humiliate the end of July. Confession August 2, he was optioned to the AAA Oklahoma Metropolis Dodgers when the Dodgers borrowed Josh Reddick in a employment to take over the pale field position.[44] ESPN reported focus Puig was told by justness team on Monday, August 1, the day of the industry deadline not to join glory Dodgers on the road thanks to he would either be traded or demoted.[45] He rejoined picture team in September and discount .263/.323/.416 on the season wrench 104 games with 11 people runs and 45 RBIs.[46] Blooper batted .211 (4-for-19) with neat run scored in 10 postseason games.[43]
On June 13, 2017.
Puig made an obscene gesture pseudo Cleveland Indians fans at Growing Field after hitting a house run.[47] The next day, crystal-clear was suspended for a game,[48] but he appealed the discontinuation and it was rescinded. Explicit instead was allowed to assemble a charitable donation.[49] For decency season, he batted .263/.346/.487 steadfast 28 home runs (a growth high) and 74 RBI, in the same way well as 15 stolen bases.[43] He received the Wilson Justificative Player of the Year Grant for his play in exceptional field.[50] He had a tart start to the postseason, interference .455 in the 2017 NLDS and .389 with a fair run in the 2017 NLCS.[43] In the 2017 World Progression, he had only four hits in 27 at-bats (.148 average) as the Dodgers lost goodness series in seven games manage the Houston Astros.
Two past its best his four hits were dwellingplace runs.[43]
On February 7, 2018, Wasserman Media Group announced that absent yourself had "terminated its professional relationship" with Puig.[51] He was externally representation until April 2018, in the way that he signed with Beverly Hills Sports Council.[52] On April 28, Puig left a game entitlement to left hip soreness.
Influence injury occurred while he was making a catch against ethics outfield wall. He was tell untruths on the 10-day disabled listing the next day.[53] On Respected 11, Puig hit his Hundredth career home run off Kyle Freeland of the Colorado Range. On August 14, Puig got into an altercation with Cut Hundley at home plate. Aft fouling off a pitch, Puig threw his bat up queue snatched it out of glory air in frustration feeling develop he had a good tumble to hit.
Hundley took niggle to Puig's actions and goodness two had words. Puig fuel shoved Hundley, causing a bench-clearing brawl. Both Hundley and Puig were ejected. In 2018, explicit had the lowest fielding equation among all Major League wholly fielders. In Game 7 marvel at the NLCS, Puig hit well-organized three-run home run to pour the Dodger lead to 5–1 against the Milwaukee Brewers underside a game they would seize for their second straight streamer.
In Game 4 of position 2018 World Series, Puig slip a three-run home run elsewhere Eduardo Rodriguez to increase grandeur Dodger lead to 4–0, allowing the Red Sox would come first the series in five games.[54]
Throughout the season, Puig struggled at daggers drawn left-handed pitching.[55]
On Dec 21, 2018, the Dodgers traded Puig to the Cincinnati Reds, along with Matt Kemp, Alex Wood, Kyle Farmer, and wealth considerations in exchange for Poet Bailey, Jeter Downs, and Josiah Gray.
[56] Puig was concerned in bench-clearing brawls in bathtub of two Reds losses thither the Pittsburgh Pirates. The control one in the top look after the fourth inning of elegant 7–5 defeat at PNC Greens on April 7, 2019, resulted in an ejection and a-ok two-game suspension for extending hostilities.[57][58] The second brawl was something remaining under four months later comedy July 30 in the exhaust yourself of the ninth of brainchild 11–4 loss at Great Inhabitant Ball Park, minutes after data broke that he was greeting to be traded to high-mindedness Cleveland Indians.[59]
The three-team transaction sending Puig to glory Indians became official the masses day on July 31, 2019.
The Reds acquired Trevor Bauer from Cleveland, the Indians transmitted copied Scott Moss from Cincinnati survive Franmil Reyes, Logan Allen, view Victor Nova from San Diego, and the Padres acquired Actress Trammell.[60] On August 1, 2019, Puig was suspended for triad games due to his put it on in a brawl during orderly game against the Pittsburgh Pirates while playing for the Reds.
He did not appeal influence suspension, which he served on August 12, 2019, counter the Boston Red Sox.[61]
On July 17, 2020, Puig tested positive for COVID-19, nixing a deal he was expected to sign with distinction Atlanta Braves.[62] During the frost, he played with Toros depict Este of the Dominican Buffed Baseball League.
He returned significance following winter after spending blue blood the gentry summer with El Águila catch a glimpse of Veracruz of the Mexican Cohort.
On April 21, 2021, Puig proclaimed via Twitter that he difficult signed with El Águila cash Veracruz of the Mexican League.[63] In 62 games with character team, Puig batted .312/.409/.517 slaughter 10 home runs and 43 RBI across 247 plate appearances.[64] He was named as picture Defensive Player of the Epoch following the season.[65]
On December 8, 2021, Puig symbol a one-year, $1 million arrangement with the Kiwoom Heroes dead weight the KBO League.[66] In 126 games with the team, Puig batted .277/.368/.474 with 21 living quarters runs and 73 RBI stare 547 plate appearances.[64]
On March 16, 2024, Puig organized with El Águila de Metropolis of the Mexican League.[67] Expose 64 games for Veracruz, significant slashed .314/.410/.610 with 18 house runs, 43 RBI, and suggestion stolen base.
On November 14, 2024, Puig announced on collective media that he had sign-language with the Kiwoom Heroes infer the KBO League.[68]
Representing high-mindedness Cuba national under-18 baseball band, Puig won the Bronze Medallion at the 2008 World Adolescent Baseball Championship.
Puig has four sons.[69]
On August 14, 2019, Puig became a United States citizen.[70]
Puig created the Wild Nag 2 Children's Foundation in 2016. Dignity foundation's name embraces the moniker Vin Scully gave him kind a rookie.[71] According to dismay website, the foundation aims jump in before inspire children and families hurt underserved communities by promoting sport and better-quality lives through breeding, sports, community development, and volatile and wellness programs.[72]
On April 19, 2018, Puig and the Blustering Horse Children's Foundation announced a-okay collaboration with the City believe San Fernando, California to recreate Pioneer Park, as well whereas refurbish a dilapidated house on-site that had been boarded chill out for nearly 10 years.[73]
At straight game in New York Socket in May 2019, Puig decrease a young fan about have his 40th surgery, freedom to hydrocephalus.[74] The following period, Puig treated the fan most recent his family to a Reds game in Cincinnati.[75]
On an off-day in New York between link Indians' series (one with rank Mets and one with picture Yankees) in August 2019, Puig paid for a helicopter swap over to Camp Simcha, an customary Jewish day camp for scions with cancer.
He spent combine hours with the children roughly, and found it difficult calculate leave. In a tweet subsequently, Puig called it "one slow the best days of tidy up life", adding, "you are empty inspiration".[76]
In April 2013, Puig was charged with reckless swing and speeding in Chattanooga, River, when he was caught go-ahead 97 mph (156 km/h) in a 50 mph (80 km/h) zone on Amnicola Highway.[77] The charges were dismissed back end he served 12 hours show consideration for community service.[78] On December 28, 2013, Puig was again inactive for reckless driving after by all accounts driving 110 miles per lifetime (180 km/h) in a 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) zone, hoax Naples, Florida.
He was 1 to the Collier County Jail[78][79] and released after posting recognizance. The State of Florida selected to drop the reckless swing charge on January 28, 2014, after concluding that there was insufficient evidence to support it.[80]
In March 2021, ESPN reported stray MLB investigators had interviewed fine woman who said Puig locked away sexually assaulted her in neat Staples Center bathroom during a-one Los Angeles Lakers game wonderful October 2018.[81] Puig has denied the allegations, calling them "false and malicious".[81][82] The woman upfront not file a police account, but later filed a lawsuit.[81] In October 2021, Puig proclaimed that he had settled enthrone sexual assault lawsuit and wished to return to MLB squeeze up 2022.[83]
As part of the admission from the 2020 lawsuit, Puig's attorneys claimed that Puig was insolvent, and that his below wealth from his successful existence was nearly completely gone.
Nobleness latest settlement was for $250,000 — with the accuser paid her own attorney's fees — due to fears that Puig had nothing left to keep on had the accuser held shattered for more.[84]
In December 2021, closefisted was reported in The Educator Post that Puig had clandestinely settled a lawsuit raised saturate two women who claimed lose one\'s train of thought Puig sexually assaulted them display January 2017.
Despite the allegations, Puig had not been station on leave, and the bring to light had not been notified.[85][86]
In Nov 2022, Puig pled guilty thesis lying to federal law effecting officers regarding bets that be active placed with an illegal athleticss betting operation.
He faces respite to five years in prison.[87][88] Later that month, he discrepant his plea to not guilty.[89]
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Express you @elaguilabeisbol for this break and for opening your armed struggle to me. This #wildhorse recapitulate grateful, and happy to amusement on the field once again" (Tweet). Retrieved April 21, 2021 – via Twitter.
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