Yasiel Puig, with 16 home runs, emerged as the first Cuban winner of the Mexican Baseball League (LMB) Home Run Derby, held on Sunday night at Beto Ávila Stadium in Veracruz.
Playing for the Veracruz Eagles, the former MLB player was just one home run short of tying the record for most home runs in the final round of this event. The competition system of this Derby in the LMB involves three rounds, and the Cuban slugger hit a total of 26 home runs across all stages.
He was followed in the competition by Kyle Martin of the Oaxaca Warriors, who managed only seven home runs. The positions after the first round were: Kennys Vargas (7), Kyle Martin (6), Yasiel Puig (5), and Art Charles (2), with four other players being eliminated.
In the second round, the standings changed to Kyle Martin (8), Yasiel Puig (5), Art Charles (4), and Kennys Vargas (1). Summing up the total home runs, Kyle Martin (14) and Yasiel Puig (10) advanced to the third phase, becoming the finalists of the competition.
Puig is coming off an excellent winter season with the La Guaira Sharks, part of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP). The native of Cienfuegos ended the season with 16 home runs and 38 RBIs in 42 games played in Venezuela.
After seven years in Major League Baseball, wearing the uniforms of the Dodgers, Reds, and Cleveland from 2013 to 2019, the Cuban has not been able to find his way back to the MLB. Since then, he has played in Mexico, Korea, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, according to MLB.
Yasiel Puig's Historic Home Run Derby Win
This section provides answers to common questions about Yasiel Puig's groundbreaking victory in the Mexican Baseball League Home Run Derby.
Who did Yasiel Puig compete against in the final round?
Yasiel Puig competed against Kyle Martin of the Oaxaca Warriors in the final round.
How many home runs did Yasiel Puig hit in total during the Derby?
Yasiel Puig hit a total of 26 home runs during the Derby.
Which team does Yasiel Puig currently play for in Mexico?
Yasiel Puig currently plays for the Veracruz Eagles in the Mexican Baseball League.
What was Yasiel Puig's performance in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League?
Yasiel Puig hit 16 home runs and drove in 38 runs in 42 games with the La Guaira Sharks in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.