The name Yasiel Puig still resonates among Los Angeles Dodgers fans nearly a decade after his MLB debut electrified the city.Â
As Dodger Nation noted, Puig has made it clear that his baseball journey isnât over yet:
âI hope God gives me the chance to come back and play here,â Puig said in a recent interview, his voice filled with emotion. âThe fans in Los Angeles changed my life. Iâll never forget the energy, the love, and the way they made me feel every time I stepped on the field.â
Known for his flair, energy, and passion, Puig quickly became one of baseballâs most polarizing yet beloved figures after bursting onto the scene in 2013.Â
His rocket throws from right field, celebratory bat flips, and highlight-reel plays embodied a new era of Dodger baseball, one fueled by swagger and showmanship. He was certainly a fan favorite.Â
Legendary broadcaster Vin Scully gave him the perfect nickname: “The Wild Horse“.Â
Since leaving the Dodgers in 2018, Puig has faced challenges and played across various leagues, but his commitment to the game hasnât changed.Â
The 33-year-oldâs message to fans remains heartfelt as he still feels part of the Dodgers family and wants one more opportunity to shine on the stage that once made him one of the biggest names in baseball.Â
Even years after leaving the Dodgers, Puig remains grateful for the support he continues to receive.
âEvery day, I get messages from fans saying they want to see me back in Dodger Stadium,â he said. âThat gives me strength. I want to make them proud again.â
The Electric Dodgers Years
Puigâs arrival in 2013 transformed the Dodgers overnight.
Bursting onto the scene midway through the season, Puig hit .319 with 19 home runs and a .925 OPS as a rookie, sparking one of the most memorable rookie seasons in franchise history.Â
Over six seasons in LA, Puig hit 108 home runs, 331 RBIs, and countless unforgettable moments.Â
He helped lead the Dodgers to back-to-back NLCS championships and was a key piece in the 2017 and 2018 runs to the World Series.Â
âThose were the best years of my life,â Puig said. âEvery night felt like a show. When I hit a home run and heard 50,000 fans scream my name, thatâs a feeling you never forget.â
Though his time in Los Angeles ended after the 2018 season, Puigâs bond with the city and its fans were special.
 âThe fans were everything to me,â he said. âEven when things were hard, they never stopped believing.â
Puigâs Career After Leaving the Dodgers
After being traded from the Dodgers, Puigâs baseball path took unexpected turns.
He played for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians before continuing his career abroad, including stints in the Korean Baseball Organization and the Mexican League.Â
âIâve never stopped working,â he said. âEvery morning, I wake up thinking about baseball. I run, I lift, I hit, I do everything I can to be ready for that call.â
He also has dealt with some off the field issues over the last five years.Â
Now 33, Puig believes that his MLB career is not over.Â
âPeople forget sometimes that I love this game more than anything,â he said. âIâve grown up a lot. Iâve made mistakes, but Iâve learned from them. Iâm ready for a second chance.â
Even after many years away, his motivation comes from the fans who still send messages of encouragement.Â
âThanks to all the fans who still miss and love me,â Puig said. âYouâre the reason I keep pushing.â
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