Dodgers Offseason: Yasiel Puig Travels Take Him Home To Cuba
After a bounce-back year which saw him top multiple career highs, Yasiel Puig has been enjoying his offseason. His travels in December took him throughout Europe, and now he’s back in his home country of Cuba.
Whatever you do in life, no matter how far you get in this world never forget your roots! Blessed to visit my humble home & reconnect w people that were there from my #beginning #fromsugarcane & #dirtroads to #thebrightlightsofLaYuma #Cienfuegos #Cuba ?? pic.twitter.com/tqHarP8sOn
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) January 16, 2018
Yasiel was born and raised in Cienfuegos, Cuba. It’s also where he learned to play baseball. Yasiel began his professional career playing for the Cuban National Team in 2008 playing in the World Junior Baseball Classic. He then went on to play two seasons in the Cuban National Series, playing for Cienfuegos. After the 2010 season, Puig’s Cuban career was over after being caught trying to defect. Puig would eventually defect to Mexico and signed with the Dodgers.
As shown in the tweet from Yasiel, he hasn’t forgotten where he came from and is proud of his Cuban roots. He’s enjoying his opportunity to see family and friends, some of whom he likely hasn’t seen since defecting.
In an Instagram post, Puig also included some other pictures as well as a video of him in Cuba, along with the ones included in the tweet.
Yasiel also visited a young boy named Derek, who is awaiting a lung transplant.
Stopped by to play some PlayStation with my friend @derekg0415 everybody go follow him now. Derek is waiting for a lung transplant. Can’t wait to see you at Dodger stadium when you are fully recovered. #DerekYourFriend #WildHorseFoundation #ItsAllAboutTheKids pic.twitter.com/KdIF3M2kXU
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) January 18, 2018
Yasiel has always had a big heart. This is evidenced above, but also by all of the work his foundation does to help those in need. The Wild Horse Foundation has been active in helping the underprivileged since their start. One thing that Yasiel loves as much as baseball is helping people.
With the season getting closer, Yasiel will soon be back to work. After an offseason spent traveling while continuing to work, he should be ready to have his best season yet.
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