The Cuban YouTuber Kari Sánchez Rodríguez recently gave her followers an exclusive tour of the stunning home of famous baseball player Alfredo Despaigne Rodríguez in Bayamo, Granma. The exceptional slugger, who played for nine seasons in the Japanese League, resides in the upscale Nuevo Bayamo neighborhood, known for its magnificent homes and tranquil environment, free from street vendors and noisy crowds.
This neighborhood, often compared to Miramar in Havana, is home to a small, privileged minority, many of whom are private business owners enjoying a much higher standard of living than the majority. Despaigne's property is the largest in the area, featuring multiple floors and a garage with space for two cars. "They constantly renovate it," shared a local resident.
Despaigne, a left fielder (LF) for both the Granma and national teams, is part of the pre-selection of players who will represent Cuba in the Premier 12 Tournament, a crucial international event starting in November this year.
In March of last year, a decade after playing in an inaugural game of the National Baseball Series, he rejoined the Alazanes for the opening of the 62nd edition of the tournament. His last season with more than 50 games was in 2014-2015, where he participated in 58 games.
The oriental slugger joined Japanese baseball in 2014, spending nine seasons there (three with the Chiba Lotte Marines and six with the Softbank Hawks). Currently, he is a free agent. In 2019, he revealed to ESPN, "I would like to play in the Major Leagues. I will wait for my contract to end to see what options are available. If I am eligible, I would gladly go."
Alfredo Despaigne's Premier 12 and MLB Aspirations
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Alfredo Despaigne's career and future aspirations, which might interest our readers.
What is Premier 12?
Premier 12 is an international baseball tournament that features the top 12 ranked national teams in the world, organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).
When did Alfredo Despaigne join Japanese baseball?
Alfredo Despaigne joined Japanese baseball in 2014, initially playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines before moving to the Softbank Hawks.
Is Alfredo Despaigne currently a free agent?
Yes, Alfredo Despaigne is currently a free agent, having expressed interest in potentially playing in the Major Leagues.