Former MLB star facing 15 years in prison makes Canadian Baseball League debut
Former MLB All-Star Yasiel Puig wasted absolutely no time making headlines in his debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the independent Canadian Baseball League. And honestly, it looked like vintage Puig. Playing at Christie Pits Park against the Kitchener Panthers, Puig put on a show in Toronto’s 8-6 win.
His final line: 2-for-2, 2 home runs, 4 RBI, and 2 walks. For one afternoon at least, it felt like the electric version of Puig baseball fans remember from his MLB days. MORE: Brewers star pitcher makes MLB history Friday night against Yankees Oct 27, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig (66) celebrates with outfielder Joc Pederson (31) and shortstop Manny Machado (8) after hitting a three-run home run against the Boston Red Sox in the sixth inning in game four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Career Overshadowed by Serious Legal Issues Unfortunately, Puig’s baseball comeback comes alongside a major legal cloud. He is currently awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty earlier this year to: Obstruction of justice Making false statements to federal investigators The charges stem from a federal investigation into an illegal sports gambling operation in Southern California. According to reports, Puig allegedly placed hundreds of sports bets and accumulated nearly $1 million in gambling losses that were never repaid.
He faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, though many legal experts believe the actual punishment could be far less severe. Oct 26, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts while a play is under review in the tenth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game three of the 2018 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports A Former MLB Star Still Has Pop Puig spent seven seasons in Major League Baseball with the: Los Angeles Dodgers Cincinnati Reds Cleveland Guardians At his peak, he was one of baseball’s most exciting and polarizing stars: Cannon arm Massive power Emotional energy Constant flair The talent has never been questioned.
Oct 26, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig (66) celebrates after hitting an RBI single in the thirteenth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Toronto Took a Massive Gamble Despite the legal situation, the Toronto Maple Leafs moved forward with signing Puig anyway. For an independent league, the move is enormous.