Aroldis Chapman becomes a U.S. citizen

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Back in July of 2009, Aroldis Chapman made a decision that would change his life forever. He was going to defect from Cuba.

While the Cuban National team was playing in a tournament in the Netherlands, Chapman left the team hotel and got into a car driven by an acquaintance of his. He eventually established citizenship in Andorra, a small sovereign state in Southwestern Europe, and petitioned the MLB to become a free agent. He would eventually sign a free agent deal with the Reds on January 10, 2010.

Today, Chapman shared on his Instagram account that he is now a U.S. citizen:

Chapman is tentatively scheduled to return from his suspension on May 9 when the Yankees play the Royals at Yankee Stadium.