Frederich Cepeda, outfielder for Sancti Spíritus and a long-time member of the Cuban national team, signs a $1.5 million deal with the Yomiuri Giants. It is part of a new Cuban policy allowing players to play abroad (though not in the US, due to the US embargo forbidding it); fellow national team outfielder Alfredo Despaigne is starting his second season in the Mexican League. Cepeda is only the second Cuban allowed by the government to play in Nippon Pro Baseball, following Omar Linares (2002-2004).

 

On April 19, 2014 — Frederich Cepeda, outfielder for Sancti Spíritus and a long-time member of the Cuban national team, signs a $1.5 million deal with the Yomiuri Giants. It is part of a new Cuban policy allowing players to play abroad (though not in the US, due to the US embargo forbidding it); fellow national team outfielder Alfredo Despaigne is starting his second season in the Mexican League. Cepeda is only the second Cuban allowed by the government to play in Nippon Pro Baseball, following Omar Linares (2002-2004).

 


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Sources:

Baseball Reference April 19

SABR Games Project

National Pastime April 19

Hall of Fame

Retro Sheet