Alfredo Despaigne Renews Contract with Softbank Hawks in Japanese Professional League

January 27, 2022

Alfredo Despaigne, a player from Granma, signed a new contract this Wednesday with the Softbank Hawks in the Japanese Professional Baseball League.

Despaigne, with several years in the Japanese circuit, signed the document at the Latinoamericano Stadium alongside Yovani Aragón, vice president of the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB).

The athlete will play for one more season with the franchise based in Fukuoka, and according to his performance he will be able to extend the contract.

In a conversation with the press, the slugger expressed his satisfaction at having built a career in Japan, the second strongest league in the world, and in which he has learned a great deal.

Furthermore, he acknowledged the challenge his club will face in this campaign, after winning the Japan Series four times (2017-2020) and being eliminated in 2021.

Finally, he confirmed his desire to play again with the Granma Sorrels and represent Cuba in international competitions.

On Tuesday, the contracts of Liván Moinelo and Yurisbel Gracial were signed, who along with Despaigne depart this Wednesday for Japan to join the Softbank preseason.

Several days ago, the players contracted through the FCB with the Chunichi Dragons club departed for the Land of the Rising Sun.