Laval resident Miguel Cienfuegos had an extraordinary year in the Frontier League with the Capitales de Québec.
In addition to winning the playoffs on the circuit, the 25-year-old was named most valuable pitcher for his 10-2 record and 1.79 ERA.
“We can say mission accomplished,” he said in an interview with the Mail Laval. Every place I go, I want to win. I want to be the best and I couldn’t ask for a better season than this year.”
In addition to the recognition obtained in this league, the 25-year-old pitcher is the recipient of the Claude-Pelletier trophy for the 2022 season. This distinction is awarded to the best Canadian pitcher playing in independent baseball.
Return
Cienfuegos has come a long way. Following his stint of five seasons with the Laval Pirates in the Quebec Junior Elite Baseball League, he decided to hang up his cleats.
Following a move to Ontario with his wife, he became involved in baseball clinics in the region. He was then invited to join the ranks of the senior Windsor team, but he was too strong for the circuit.
“It made me realize that I could come back to the game if I took it seriously, notes the main interested party. It was August and I was giving myself until my birthday in February to try and hit 93 miles per hour with my throw. If I did, I would try my luck.”
At the time of the tests, his best throw just crossed that bar he had never reached before. He therefore contacted the coaches of the Aigles de Trois-Rivières and Capitales de Québec of the Frontier League. Impressed, the two made different proposals to him.
“Due to the COVID-19, the two clubs have been brought together within the Quebec team, he specifies. I started as a reliever to make my place, then I had a promotion as a starting pitcher, because it was going very well.
Discovery
At the end of this first professional season, Cienfuegos joined the Capitals largely thanks to Patrick Scalabrini, manager of the team, who made it his project.
“He told me that a few teams [des majeures] were interested in me after my first season, but he wanted them to be ten this year, supports the gunner. He wanted to make me his starting pitcher so everyone could know me. For my part, I wanted to show why he trusted me.
This is what he managed to do, since several major league baseball clubs contacted him following this last season. He was still in talks with them as of December 16.
The Jesus Island native also notes that he now throws up to 96 miles per hour, which is a significant increase in less than a year.
“It clicked with my pitching coach Robert Carson,” he admits. He played in the majors. Being left-handed, he saw a lot of himself in me and he helped me on what I had trouble improving. I’ve always had a little more strength to go looking for in my legs. I am on the right track to find the necessary mechanics.”
Winter Australia
Until the possible signing of a pro contract, Miguel Cienfuegos has kept in shape with the Giants of Adelaide, Australia. He does not hide that the temperature is more pleasant than in Quebec for training.
He was also named pitcher of the week towards the end of his stay, having decided to return to the country to complete his contract negotiations.
