Destrade was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, but emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. During his youth, he played in the Khoury League at Tamiami Park in Miami. He graduated from Coral Park High School in Miami, and later attended Florida College.\n', '

After college, he played many seasons in the minor leagues before his career at the major league level. Destrade was called up in September 1987 with the New York Yankees. He played in 1988 with the Pittsburgh Pirates (where he was the victim of pitcher Randy Johnson\'s first major league strikeout), and 1993 and 1994 for the Florida Marlins. Destrade was a member of the Florida Marlins\' 1993 inaugural season.\n', '

Destrade played five seasons (1989–1992 and 1995) for the Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League, where he led the league in home runs for three consecutive years. He was also the MVP of the 1990 Japan Series. Despite his short career in Japan, Destrade is considered one of NPB\'s best career switch-hitters.[citation needed]\n', '

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