‘Ottawa’ Ottawa Champions Sign Two Cubans
The Ottawa Champions are getting a big boost for the 2016 Can-Am League season, announcing on Wednesday the signing of two Cuban national legends — first baseman/DH Alexander Malleta and third baseman Donal Duarte.
Champions owner Miles Wolff signed the pair earlier this month when he was in Cuba putting the finishing touches on the deal to bring the country’s national team to the United States and Canada.
“We’re very pleased that the Cubans have confidence in our league to provide a showcase for their talent,” said Wolff.
“We believe the national team’s tour and the signing of Malleta and Duarte will increase the attention across North America.”
Malleta, 39, has been a mainstay in the Cuban Serie Nacional and on the national team for nearly two decades. He has split his 17 seasons between the Industriales and Metropolitanos.