International Prospects: The Golden Era for Cubans in the NPB
2019
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This year was arguably the best for Cubans in the land of the rising sun. Dayán Viciedo turned in another solid campaign posting a line of .315,18HR, 93 RBI’s.
Yurisbel Gracial hit .319 in his second year with SoftBank while hitting 28 homers and driving in 68 runs, but made his most important contribution in the Japan Series when hit .375 and was named MVP.
Alfredo Despaigne had 30 longballs for the third consecutive season and his third consecutive ring in Fukuoka. His 88 RBI’s were also impressive and cemented his legacy as one of the most feared sluggers of the current era in the Nippon League.
For the first time in the history of the Japanese League, two Cuban pitchers made more than 40 appearances in a season when Liván Moinelo of SoftBank (1.52,60) and Raidel Martínez of Chunichi accomplished the feat.
Leonys Martín fresh off his release by the Cleveland Indians connected for 14 longballs and knocked 39 runs in only 52 games with Chiba Lotte.
What will the season have in store for the Antilleans this year? Well, only time will tell.
Cubans who have played in the NPB
- Michel Abreu
- Roberto Barbón
- Yuniesky Betancourt
- Bárbaro Cañizares
- Frederich Cepeda
- Oscar Colas
- Alfredo Despaigne
- Orestes Destrade
- Chico Fernández
- Leonys Martín
- Leonardo Urguelles
- Adolis García
- Tony González
- Yurisbel Gracial
- Alex Guerrero
- Yuli Gurriel
- Félix Pérez
- Yadir Drake
- Yoslan Herrera
- Omar Linares
- Ariel Martínez
- Raidel Martínez
- Román Mejías
- Héctor Mendoza
- Juan Miranda
- Ariel Miranda
- Liván Moinelo
- Raúl Valdés
- Zoilo Versalles
- Yariel Rodríguez