Panthers Sign Cuban Starting Pitcher

The Kitchener Panthers are proud to announce the signing of pitcher, Yadian Martinez (Mayabeque, Cuba), for the 2023 season.

The 27 year old right handed starter has pitched 7 seasons in the Cuban National Series for the Mayabeque Hurricanes. Through his first 6 seasons, Yadian has appeared in 134 games, picking up 47 wins with an ERA of 4.13. He is the current Ace of the Mayabeque staff in the ongoing 2023 National Series and holds a 3 and 1 record through 7 starts with a 2.72 ERA.

Over his career, Yadian has developed the reputation as a passionate competitor and a workhorse on the mound, consistently logging quality starts and finishing amongst the league leaders in innings pitched. In both the 2021 and 2019 seasons, his totals of 143.1 innings in 20 starts and 135.1 innings in 20 starts both led the league in innings pitched. In the 2021 season, he recorded 8 wins and had an ERA of 3.01 and in 2019 he recorded 10 wins with an ERA of 3.06.

As well as his successes in the Cuban National Series, Yadian has also represented Team Cuba on several occasions including the Pan Am games, the Caribbean Series and the Caribbean Cup.

Panthers GM Mike Boehmer comments; “ We are very pleased to welcome Yadian Martinez to the Kitchener Panthers.  We really like that he consistently is one of the leaders in Cuba in innings pitched, and Yadian also has  excellent control. In speaking with a number of Cuban players I know, on my recent trip to Cuba, including former Cuban Kitchener Panthers; Yadian has a reputation as being a tough competitor and a good teammate. We expect Yadian to be an important part of our pitching staff this season.”

The 2023 Season is quickly approaching as the Panthers open on the road on May 19th @ Brantford and play their Home Opener on May 21 vs Welland at 2:00 PM. Season Tickets, Flex Packs and Single Game tickets are on sale now, get yours   HERE !