Right off the bat, former MLB all-star Yasiel Puig has become a hit down at Christie Pits.
The ex-Los Angeles Dodgers slugger who reportedly signed a record-breaking deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Canadian Baseball League, thrilled fans on Sunday in his debut with the team at the Bloor and Christie Sts.-area park.
Puig, who was well known for his power at the plate during his seven-year MLB career, hit two home runs against the Kitchener Panthers in his first game for the Leafs.
After walking in his first plate appearance, Puig went deep to left field his next time up, giving the Leafs a 4-1 lead.
In the fifth inning he was at it again, taking the Panthers pitcher deep to left for a solo home run.
Puig would end up going 2-for-2 with two home runs and four RBIs while also taking two walks in Toronto’s 8-6 win.
Why is Yasiel Puig a big deal?
Last month, the former MLB sensation reportedly signed the largest contract in Canadian Baseball League history. Details of the deal were not disclosed.
The Cuban outfielder burst onto the MLB scene in 2013, batting .319 and hitting 19 home runs for the Dodgers on his way to finishing second in NL rookie of the year voting.
He followed that up with an all-star game appearance in his second season and seemed destined for stardom.
However, his numbers dropped off in his third season and never really recovered. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after the 2018 season and later was moved at the 2019 trade deadline to Cleveland as part of a deal that sent Trevor Bauer to Los Angeles.
He entered free agency the following the season and went unsigned by MLB clubs, but continued to compete in the KBO and Mexican League.
Why is Yasiel Puig controversial?
While there’s little doubt that Puig can be a contributor for the CBL club, he has a history of off-field issues and allegations.
In 2021, Puig had been accused of a 2018 sexual assault, leading to an investigation by MLB, and it was later revealed that the outfielder had settled two 2017 sexual assault cases.
Puig wasn’t charged in connection with any of the allegations, nor was he suspended by MLB.
Earlier this year, Puig was found guilty in U.S. federal court of obstruction of justice and lying to federal officials in conjunction with an illegal gambling operation.
He has a court date on May 26 and could face up to 20 years in prison, although his actual punishment likely will be far less.
What did team say about Puig’s legal issues?
Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein said when the team signed Puig that it had done its researche looking into the issues and believes they have been “dealt with.”
“We carried out extensive diligence (before signing Puig),” Stein said. “We’ve had discussions with lots of different people. The issues have been dealt with by the justice system, by other, more qualified parties.
“We are focused on what is the best talent that we can put on the field that’s going to represent the Toronto Maple Leafs in a way we can be proud of. We think that he is really on the right track in his personal life.
“He certainly deserves a chance to play professional baseball. And we think he’s going to be a great contributor to the team and to the community,” Stein added.