Vladimir García | |||
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Ciego de Ávila | |||
Pitcher | |||
Born: Ciego de Ávila, Cuba |
July 4, 1982 |||
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Vladimir García Escalante (born July 4, 1982) is a Cuban baseball pitcher. García plays for Ciego de Ávila in the Cuban National Series and has played for the Cuban national baseball team. His fastball has peaked at 94 miles per hour (151 km/h).
García debuted for Ciego de Ávila in 2005-2006, going 3-5 with 5 saves and a 6.04 earned run average (ERA) at age 17. He played for Cuba in the 2006 World Junior Championships. In 2006-2007, he improved to 4-5, 1.68 with 14 saves (tied for the Serie Nacional lead) and did not give up a home run in 53 2⁄3 innings pitched (IP).
García went 7-5 with 10 saves and a 3.07 ERA in 2007-2008, led the league with 16 intentional walks and almost made Cuba's team for the 2008 Olympics. He had a 0.75 ERA and 10 saves early in the 2008-2009 season and was put on Cuba's roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. In his national team debut during the Classic, he allowed two runs in 2 2⁄3 IP. He allowed the only South African run in Cuba's 8-1 win. Called on in the 9th to close off a shutout, he gave up a hit to Anthony Phillips. Martin Gordon hit into a force and took second on a wild pitch. Jonathan Phillips then singled home the run.