Former MLB player Yasiel Puig was caught in the middle of a bench-clearing brawl during a professional baseball game in Venezuela. The incident occurred during Game 2 of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League’s championship series at University of Caracas Stadium. Puig, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland from 2013-19, found himself in the midst of a chaotic altercation, throwing punches and receiving hits as both teams engaged in the brawl.
Key Takeaway
Yasiel Puig, a former MLB star, was involved in a tumultuous bench-clearing brawl during a Venezuelan baseball game, highlighting the intense emotions and competitive nature of the sport.
Wild Brawl Erupts After Teammate’s Home Run
The chaos unfolded when Puig’s Tiburones de La Guaira teammate, Maikel Garcia, hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the 8th inning, giving their team a 10-8 lead over Cardenales de Lara. As Garcia celebrated by showboating and taunting the opposing team, tensions quickly escalated. The opposing players took offense to Garcia’s actions, leading to a heated confrontation that resulted in both teams leaving their dugouts and engaging in a physical altercation.
Surprising Outcome and Player Involvement
Yasiel Puig, who has been out of the MLB for a few years, was unexpectedly thrust into the violent altercation, exchanging blows and sustaining hits during the brawl. Despite the intense scuffle, no players were ejected, and Puig’s team ultimately secured a 12-10 victory. Notably, Ronald Acuna Jr., a prominent MLB player for the Atlanta Braves, was also scheduled to participate in the game for La Guaira but had been sitting out to prepare for the upcoming 2024 season.
