Nelson Cruz, a Dominican-born slugger, became one of Major League Baseball's most feared power hitters during his career. Born on July 1, 1980, in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Dominican Republic, Cruz's journey to the major leagues was marked by perseverance and hard work. He began his professional career in the New York Mets organization but was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2000. Despite showing promise, Cruz struggled to find a permanent spot in the majors early on.
His breakthrough came after being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and subsequently to the Texas Rangers in 2006. It was with the Rangers that Cruz began to establish himself as a formidable presence at the plate. In 2009, he earned his first All-Star selection, hitting 33 home runs and driving in 76 runs. Cruz's power-hitting prowess was on full display during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, where he played a crucial role in helping the Rangers reach the World Series in consecutive years. Although the Rangers fell short both times, Cruz's performance, particularly in the postseason, was noteworthy. In the 2011 American League Championship Series, he set a record with six home runs and 13 RBIs, earning him the series MVP honors.
Cruz's career faced a setback in 2013 when he was suspended for 50 games due to his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, which linked several players to performance-enhancing drugs. Despite this, he returned to the field with determination, signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles in 2014. That season, Cruz led the majors with 40 home runs, proving that he remained a potent offensive force.
In 2015, Cruz joined the Seattle Mariners, where he continued to deliver impressive numbers. Over four seasons with the Mariners, he consistently hit over 35 home runs each year, earning three more All-Star selections. His ability to maintain such high levels of performance well into his 30s was a testament to his skill and adaptability as a hitter.
Cruz's journey continued with the Minnesota Twins, where he signed in 2019. His impact was immediate, as he helped the Twins set a single-season record for home runs by a team. Cruz himself contributed 41 home runs that year, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game's elite power hitters. Even as he approached his 40s, Cruz showed no signs of slowing down, maintaining a high batting average and on-base percentage.
In 2021, Cruz was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he continued to be a valuable asset. His leadership and experience were highly regarded, and he provided a steadying presence both on and off the field. Throughout his career, Cruz was known not only for his home run-hitting ability but also for his professionalism and mentorship to younger players.
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