In the 1984 film The Natural Robert Redford plays Roy Hobbs, a 35-year-old rookie who makes it to big league baseball mid-season to help an over-paid, yet underachieving team. When finally given the chance Hobbs natural play ignites the team and turns their fortunes around. Hobbs comes to be known as “Wonder Boy,” both for his on-field play and mysterious back-story.

In June of 2013, a real-life wonder boy arrived on the scene in the form of Yasiel Puig. Whether it was his blinding speed while rounding bases, or the velocity behind each screaming ball whipping around parks following the merciless crack of his bat, Puig helped an overpaid and underachieving Los Angeles Dodgers squad, turn their fortunes around all the way to the National League Championship Series.

The enigmatic Dodgers outfielder arrived in Los Angeles from Cuba by way of Mexico. He spent the last six months of the year alerting everyone to his presence and reaffirming why they should be paying attention to every hit, home run, RBI and covered base. It’s not often that you can watch a 23-year-old and see a man who recognized his destiny early and would do whatever necessary to achieve it. Puig was barely out of his teens when he defected from Cuba to claim residence in Mexico for Major League Baseball eligibility. Los Angeles signed him in 2012 to a seven-year, $42 million contract. Within one short year, after just 63 minor-league games, he elevated through the Dodgers’ ranks to make his MLB debut.

He wasted no time setting records with the club upon his arrival to the big leagues. In his first five games, Puig rocked four home runs, including a grand slam against the Braves in his fourth game. After his first 20 games, he owned an MLB record for locking in 34 hits and seven home runs. June was entirely Puig’s month. He earned “Player of the Month” and “Rookie of the Month” honors. He was nearly voted into the 2013 All-Star Game before finishing the season with 19 home runs and 42 RBIs in just 104 games, receiving All-Rookie honors.

Yet, much like Roy Hobbs, Puig’s back-story is just as fascinating. His Cuban heritage is simultaneously a point of curiosity and contention. Many hope to know more about the charismatic slugger and his exotic background. Hailing from a Caribbean island that has an immensely complicated relationship with America makes him all the more spellbinding.

While the world tries to figure it out our modern day wonder boy mesmerizes each time he lifts his arms in celebration from inside the batter’s box. We’re thrilled to watch him do it.