Alfredo Despaigne

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Alfredo Despaigne

|image=File:Hawks54-Despaigne_(cropped).jpg

|team=Alazanes de Granma

|number=54

|caption=Despaigne with the SoftBank Hawks in 2017

|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1986|6|17}}

|birth_place=Palma Soriano, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

|position=Outfielder / Designated hitter

|bats=Right

|throws=Right

|debutleague=NPB

|debutdate=July, 29

|debutyear=2014

|debutteam= Chiba Lotte Marines

|stat2year=2023 season

|stat2league=NPB

|stat21label=Batting average

|stat21value=.261

|stat22label=Home runs

|stat22value=184

|stat23label=Runs batted in

|stat23value=545

|teams=

Chiba Lotte Marines ({{npby|2014}}–{{npby|2016}})
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks ({{npby|2017}}–{{npby|2023}})

|awards=

4× Japan Series champion (2017–2020)
3× NPB All-Star ({{npby|2017}}–{{npby|2019}})
NPB All-Star MVP (2017)
2× PL Best Nine Award (2017, 2019)
PL home run leader (2017)
PL RBI leader (2017)

|medaltemplates=

{{MedalCountry|{{CUB}}}}

}}

Alfredo Despaigne Rodríguez (born June 17, 1986) is a Cuban professional baseball outfielder for the Alazanes de Granma of the Cuban National Series. He has previously played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chiba Lotte Marines and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.

Career

In 2009, Despaigne had one of the most dominating seasons in Cuban baseball history, breaking the Cuban Home Run record while hitting .373 with 97 RBIs.{{cn|date=October 2022}} Following the season, he was named MVP of the National Series. Despaigne was again excellent in 2010,{{Cite web|url=https://mlblogsbjarkmanlatinobaseball.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/continued-slugging-rampage-of-alfredo-despaigne/|title=Continued Slugging Rampage of Alfredo Despaigne|date=November 23, 2009}} ranking among the best hitters in various statistical categories.{{Cite web |url=http://www.baseballdecuba.com/lhitting.asp |title=Hitting Leaders |access-date=2010-01-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107025900/http://www.baseballdecuba.com/lhitting.asp |archive-date=2010-01-07 |url-status = dead}} In 2012, he set a new Cuban league regular-season home run record, with 35.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10927805/top-cuban-alfredo-despaigne-mexico-false-passport|title=Top Cuban OF in Mexico with false passport|date=May 13, 2014|website=ESPN.com}}

=Piratas de Campeche=

On June 21, 2013, Despaigne signed with the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League. In 33 games, he slashed .338/.364/.564 with 8 home runs and 24 RBI. In 2014, Despaigne played in 20 games for Campeche, batting .346/.407/.603 with 5 home runs and 15 RBI.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=despai000alf|title = Alfredo Despaigne Cuban, Mexican, Winter & Japanese Leagues Statistics & History}}

=Chiba Lotte Marines=

On July 15, 2014, he signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).{{ cite web | url=https://www.marines.co.jp/news/detail/13778.html | title=アルフレド・デスパイネ・ロドリゲス選手の獲得について | work=千葉ロッテマリーンズオフィシャルサイト | language=ja | date=July 15, 2014 | access-date=May 20, 2019 }} Despaigne appeared in 45 games, hitting .311, with 12 home runs and 33 runs batted in. After the season, on December 8, the Marines signed him{{ cite web | url=https://www.marines.co.jp/news/detail/14576.html | title=来季契約について | work=千葉ロッテマリーンズオフィシャルサイト | language=ja | date=December 8, 2014 | access-date=May 20, 2019 }} to a two-year contract.{{cite news|title=Cuban outfielder Despaigne re-signs with Chiba Lotte|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12013783|access-date=11 December 2014|work=ESPN.com|date=11 December 2014}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVqoXc9Kiw4|title=2014年9月23日ヒーローインタビュー(石川、デスパイネ)|date=23 September 2014 |via=www.youtube.com}} In the 2015 season, Despaigne finished the regular season in 103 games with a batting average of .258, 18 home runs and a RBI of 62. In the 2016 season, Despaigne finished the regular season in 134 games with a batting average of .280, 24 home runs and a RBI of 92. On December 20, 2016, it was announced that team did not make a contract offer{{ cite web | url=https://www.marines.co.jp/news/detail/18509.html | title=デスパイネ選手の退団について | work=千葉ロッテマリーンズオフィシャルサイト | language=ja | date=December 20, 2016 | access-date=May 20, 2019}} and next day he became free agent in NPB.{{ cite web | url=http://npb.jp/announcement/2016/pn_released.html | title=自由契約選手 | work=NPB.jp 日本野球機構 | language=ja | date=December 21, 2016 | access-date=May 20, 2019 }} In 2017, Despaigne played a key role{{clarify|date=November 2017}} in Granma's win of the Cuban National Series.{{Cite web |url=http://www.baseballdecuba.com/node/29719 |title=2017 Cuban Finals: Despaigne with the Game Winner for Granma. Horses lead the series 1-0 {{!}} BaseballdeCuba |access-date=2017-01-24 |archive-date=2017-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202144256/http://www.baseballdecuba.com/node/29719 |url-status=dead }}

=Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks=

On February 11, 2017, Despaigne signed with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of the NPB.{{ cite web | url=https://www.softbankhawks.co.jp/news/detail/00000122.html | title=アルフレド・デスパイネ選手入団のお知らせ | work=福岡ソフトバンクホークスオフィシャルサイト | language=ja | date=February 11, 2017 | access-date=May 20, 2019 }}

In 2017 season, Despaigne finished the regular season in 136 games with a batting average of .262, 35 home runs and a RBI of 103. And he was honored for the Pacific League home run leader, the Pacific League RBI leader, and the Pacific League Best Nine Award at the NPB AWARDS 2017. {{cite web|url=https://npb.jp/award/2017/pl.html|title=Nippon Professional Baseball (Japanese) 2017年度表彰選手(パシフィック・リーグ)|language=ja-JP|work=NPB.jp|access-date=December 4, 2020}}

In the 2018 season, Despaigne finished the regular season in 116 games with a batting average of .238, 29 home runs and a RBI of 74. And he was selected {{Interlanguage link|2018 NPB All-Star game|jp|2018年のオールスターゲーム (日本プロ野球)}}.{{cite web| url=http://npb.jp/allstar/2018/ballotresult_players.html | title=マイナビオールスターゲーム2018 選手間投票結果 | work=NPB.jp 日本野球機構 | language=ja | access-date=June 28, 2018 | date=July 3, 2018 }}

In 2019, Despaigne finished the regular season in 130 games with a batting average of .259, 36 home runs and a RBI of 88. And he was honored for the Japan Series Outstanding Player Award at the 2019 Japan Series. {{cite web|url=https://npb.jp/nippons/2019/award.html|title=Nippon Professional Baseball (Japanese) SMBC日本シリーズ2019 表彰選手|language=ja-JP|work=NPB.jp|access-date=December 4, 2020}} On December 2, 2019, he become free agent.{{ cite web | url=http://npb.jp/announcement/2019/pn_released.html | title=2019年度自由契約選手 | work=NPB.jp 日本野球機構 | language=ja | access-date=December 22, 2019 }}

On January 22, 2020, Despaigne signed a new two-year contract with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/202001230000647.html|title=Nikkan Sports baseball news (Japanese) ソフトバンクがデスパイネとグラシアルと契約更新|language=ja-JP|work=Nikkan Sports|date=January 23, 2020|access-date=December 4, 2020}} However, due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was unable to leave Cuba and was able to come to Japan on July 19.{{cite web|url=https://full-count.jp/2020/07/20/post835701/|title=full-count.jp Baseball news (Japanese) 鷹、デスパイネとグラシアルの来日を発表出入国時のPCR検査は共に陰性|language=ja-JP|work=full-count.jp|date=July 20, 2020|access-date=December 4, 2020}} In the 2020 season, Despaigne finished the regular season in 25 games with a batting average of .224, 6 home runs and a RBI of 12.　In the 2020 Japan Series against the Yomiuri Giants, he contributed to the team's fourth consecutive Japan Series champion by scoring 6 RBIs per game in the Japan Series equal to the current record, including a grand slam in Game 2 on November 22.{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/baseball/news/20201122/haw20112221100005-n1.html|title=Sankei Sports baseball news (Japanese) ソフトB・デスパイネがシリーズタイ記録満塁弾など1試合6打点|language=ja-JP|work=Sankei Sports|date=November 22, 2020|access-date=December 14, 2020}}

In 2021 season, Despaigne had a slump of .220 batting average, one home run, and six runs batted in in 27 games since the season opener, and was struck from the first team registration on May 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/733343/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news 不振のデスパイネ抹消上林が今季初の1軍昇格|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=May 3, 2021|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} Then, on May 24, he left for the U.S. to join the Cuba national baseball team for the Tokyo Olympics qualifiers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/743877/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news モイネロ、デスパイネら離日キューバ代表で五輪予選出場|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=May 24, 2021|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} He returned to Japan on June 9, spent the prescribed quarantine period, and joined the team on August 1.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/752754/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news 鷹・モイネロ＆デスパイネ再来日、球団発表待機期間経てチーム合流|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=June 9, 2021|accessdate=November 17, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/779112/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news デスパイネが1軍合流このままでは終われない|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=August 1, 2021|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} In the match against the Chiba Lotte Marines on August 21, he recorded his first home run since the opening game.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/788695/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news デスパイネが約5カ月ぶり開幕カード以来の先制2号ソロ「うれしイイネ」|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=August 21, 2021|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} He returned to form in the second half of the season, and by September 30 his batting average was back up to .271.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/809003/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news デスパイネ「いい感じ」打率1割台が急上昇|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=September 30, 2021|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} He finished the regular season with a .264 batting average, 10 home runs, and 41 RBI in 80 games, and re-signed with the Hawks at an estimated salary of 270 million yen.{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/202201270000180.html|title=Nikkansports Sports baseball news ソフトバンク契約延長モイネロ3億、グラシアル、デスパイネ2億7千万円|language=ja-JP|work=Nikkan Sports|date=January 27, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}}

In 2022 season, Despaigne did not make it to the opening game of the season after hurting his right ankle in the Cuban League.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/902616/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news デスパイネ、6日にも2軍戦で実戦復帰へ右足首痛めてリハビリ中|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=April 5, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} He finally joined the team on May 17.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/924401/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news ソフトバンク、デスパイネを今季初めて出場選手登録|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=May 17, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} On June 3, he recorded his first home run of the season in the interleague play against the Chunichi Dragons.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/934555/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news デスパイネ「やっぱりうれしいね」今季初本塁打＆初打点に笑顔|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=June 3, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} However, he tested positive for COVID-19 and was again removed from the first team registration by regulation on June 28.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/947673/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news 甲斐拓也、デスパイネら5人が新たに陽性判定感染者は計14人にコロナ禍のソフトバンクにまた衝撃|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=June 28, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} He returned to the team on July 13 and hit a two-run homer the next day, July 14, against the Orix Buffaloes.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/955888/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news ソフトバンク5番デスパイネ6番野村大樹オリックス戦スタメン発表|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=July 13, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/956602/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news まさに「喜びもつかの間」デスパ弾直後の8回に悪夢|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=July 14, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} He finished the regular season with a .269 batting average, 14 home runs, and 40 runs batted in in 89 games, despite his frequent departures.{{cite web|url=https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/nsp/item/n/1003072/|title=Nishinippon Sports baseball news 去就が流動的なソフトバンク・デスパイネ「来季はこの先ゆっくり考えたい」グラシアルとともに今季振り返る|language=ja-JP|work=Nishinippon Shimbun|date=October 19, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}} He became a free agent following the 2022 season.

On May 31, 2023, Despaigne re-signed with the Hawks.{{Cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/dd72d017dbe3fb43d170b2aa14404d5664fed28b |title=Yahoo Japan |access-date=2023-06-01 |archive-date=2023-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601232859/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/dd72d017dbe3fb43d170b2aa14404d5664fed28b |url-status=dead }} However, he joined the team in July but was limited to only 20 appearances. On December 1, the Hawks announced they would release him.{{cite web|url=https://www.softbankhawks.co.jp/news/detail/202300449153.html|title=Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks press release 2023/12/01 (金) 来季契約について|language=ja-JP|website=Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Official site|date=December 1, 2023|accessdate=December 4, 2023}}

=Alazanes de Granma=

Despaigne played the 2024 Cuban National Series for the Alazanes de Granma.{{cite web|first=Mailenys|last=Oliva Ferrales|title=Despaigne habla de la postemporada, en su regreso a los play off|url=https://www.granma.cu/deportes/2024-06-29/despaigne-habla-de-la-postemporada-en-su-regreso-a-los-play-off-29-06-2024-01-06-50|website=Granma|date=29 June 2024|access-date=3 July 2024|language=es}}

International career

Despaigne posted an impressive season in 2007, afterwards earning a key role on Cuba's National Team.{{cn|date=October 2022}} He was selected the {{Interlanguage link|2004 World Junior Baseball Championship|jp|第21回AAA世界野球選手権大会}}, 2007 World Port Tournament, 2007 Baseball World Cup, 2008 Summer Olympics, 2009 World Baseball Classic, 2010 World University Baseball Championship,{{ cite web | url=https://www.jubf.net/wubc2010/system/prog/teams_member.php?lang=jp&category=teams&kind=player&teamid=H | title=参加チームキューバ登録メンバー | work=パナソニック第5回世界大学野球選手権大会 - 全日本大学野球連盟 | language=ja | access-date=May 23, 2019 }} 2010 Intercontinental Cup, 2011 Pan American Games, 2012 exhibition games against Chinese Taipei and CPBL All-Stars,{{ cite web | url=http://www.wbsc.org/cuban-offensive-explosion-wraps-up-thunder-series-action/ | title=Cuban Offensive Explosion wraps up Thunder Series Action | work=WBSC | date=November 14, 2012 | access-date=May 23, 2019 }} 2012 exhibition games against Japan,{{ cite web | url=http://npb.jp/japan/2012fal/roster_cuba.html | title=侍ジャパンマッチ2012「日本代表 VS キューバ代表」キューバ代表メンバー | work=NPB.jp 日本野球機構 | language=ja | date=November 15, 2012 | access-date=May 23, 2019}} 2013 World Baseball Classic, 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games, 2015 Pan American Games,{{Cite web|date=2015-07-08|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/1503853.html|title=ロッテ・デスパイネ、パンアメリカン大会出場で離日| work=日刊スポーツ | language=ja |access-date=May 23, 2019 }} 2015 WBSC Premier12{{ cite web | url=http://www.wbsc.org/world-no-3-cuba-aiming-for-wbsc-premier12-crown/ | title=World No. 3 Cuba aiming for WBSC Premier12 crown | work=WBSC | date=October 26, 2015 | access-date=May 23, 2019 }} and 2017 World Baseball Classic.{{ cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cuba-has-strong-world-baseball-classic-roster-c215474446 | title=Cuba's Classic roster replete with young talent | work=MLB.com | author=Daniel Kramer | date=February 8, 2017 | access-date=May 23, 2019 }}

He was named the Best Hitter at the 2007 World Port Tournament, and was also a part of the Cuban team which won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}}

Despaigne won with his national team the gold medal of the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico.{{cite web|url=http://elnacional.com.do/hockey-de-rd-da-salto-cualitativo/|title=Hockey de RD da salto cualitativo|newspaper=El Nacional|language=es|date=2014-11-24|access-date=2014-11-28}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cubasi.cu/cubasi-noticias-cuba-mundo-ultima-hora/item/33887-veracruz-2014-cuba-campeon-del-beisbol-centroamericano|title=Veracruz 2014: Cuba, campeón del béisbol centroamericano|newspaper=Cubasi.cu|language=es|date=2014-11-22|access-date=2014-11-28}}{{cite news|url=http://www.espndeportes.com/news/story/_/id/2236493/cuba-gana-medalla-de-oro-en-beisbol|title=Cuba gana medalla de oro en béisbol|newspaper=ESPN Deportes|location=Veracruz, Mexico|agency=EFE|language=es|date=2014-11-22|access-date=2014-11-28}}