Yasiel Puig: biography
Yasiel Puig, 28-year-old Cuban-born experienced sportsman got through lots of ordeals to put his dreams about sports career into reality – he left his motherland, traveled to Mexico alongside a drug lord and had law problems. Are you interested in his life now? Read below more facts of Puig’s life!
Childhood and youth
Yasiel Puig’s birthplace is Cuba. He was raised in the family of Omar and his wife Maritza alongside a younger sister. Speaking about Yasiel’s parents’ occupations, his dad worked as an engineer, while his mom was a teacher. Puig found the passion of his life being a kid – he joined school baseball team having turned 9.
Besides, as an 18-year-old man, Yasiel was invited to perform for the national team of Cuba during the International Baseball Tournament. The sportsman brought his squad a bronze medal. Moreover, he represented his motherland – Cienfuegos – taking part in the Cuban National Championship. In his first year, the player batted .281 and made six home runs. The season 2009-2010 was really successful for him – Puig batted .329 and made 18 home runs in total.
In 2009 the player planned to move to Mexico – his Mexican residence would help him in becoming eligible to advance to major leagues. All the times he tried to left Cuba, something prevented him from doing it – the police stopped him, for example. Eventually, he referred to his pal related to drug trafficking who successfully moved him to Mexico. Later, the sportsman got through serious life ordeals while leaving for America and succeeded at last.
Baseball career
Los Angeles Dodgers
2012 was marked by Puig’s concluding a $43 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his first ten matches with the franchise, the sportsman hit .380, made five homers and 12 RBI.
In summer of the same year, he advanced to the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Having taken part in 15 matches with the squad, he hit .339. When the season was closed, Puig underwent surgery and couldn’t get back to playing for following several months.
One year later, Puig returned to the Dodgers. So, his first match of that season was against the Philadelphia Phillies – the sportsman registered three home runs. One week later, having faced the Atlanta Braves, he accidentally injured one of their players. Performing against the St. Louis Cardinals, Puig made a brilliant home run.
In his first 16 matches, the player scored 28 hits.
The season 2014 was prosperous for him – he earned lots of awards, established several records and led his franchise in a number of home runs and RBIs. The year was closed with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs. As for his batting average, it was of .285.
Because of some health problems, the player missed several fights at the beginning of 2015. In spring, he was ruled out for two months again because of a trauma. Puig could return to matches only in June. In sum, that year he appeared in 80 games, scored 12 home runs and 40 RBIs – the lowest stats of his career.
Yasiel Puig had performed for the Dodgers until the year 2018.
Cincinnati Reds
At the end of 2018, he transmitted to the Cincinnati Reds. After the lost match with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Puig was accused of starting a series of fistfights. In summer 2019 the rumors appeared the Reds’ management would trade the sportsman. And it happened to be the truth.
Cleveland Indians
July 2019 was marked by Puig’s trade to the Cleveland Indians.
Personal life
Yasiel Puig is really private when it comes to his affairs. So, there is no information about his probable girlfriends. The sportsman is the father of three children, but it is unknown who is their mother.
In his life, Puig has had some legal issues. So, he was accused of speed driving in 2013 and 2014.
According to the site ‘Baseball Reference’, Yasiel Puig’s net worth is evaluated at $20 million.
Philanthropy
Apart from sports, Yasiel Puig is involved in charity work. So, he is an owner of a Children’s Foundation aimed to promote learning, sport, social activism amongst the young generation.
Besides, the organization contributes to urbanization – alongside the City of San Fernando, Puig renovated Pioneer Park and other public places.
Awards and achievements
- All-Star (2014)
- Defensive Player of the Year(2017)
