Envision this: 464 home runs, 2,053 hits, 1,325 runs batted in, a 130 OPS+, all in a span of 2,055 games.
In 19 major league seasons, Nelson Cruz put up some incredible stats like the ones listed above. A career that started slow, but once it began, took off. And now, that career has come to an end.
On Adam Jones’ live podcast, “The Adam Jones Podcast,” Cruz joined in for an episode and dropped the news of his official retirement from Major League Baseball.
Cruz’s time as a professional started out a little rough. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Mets in 1998 and was then traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2000. He was dealt again to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004, made his major league debut in 2005, played in a total of eight games for the Brew Crew, then was traded again to the Texas Rangers in 2006.
In Texas, Cruz finally found a home and became slugger we know today. After a slow 2007 and 2008, Cruz made his first All-Star Game in 2009.
This began a five-year stretch for Cruz where he hit 135 home runs for the Rangers, had an OPS+ north of 115 in four of those five years and was an incredibly clutch postseason hitter on a team that reached two consecutive World Series.
After eight years in Texas, Cruz signed with the Baltimore Orioles and became a fan favorite immediately. Cruz’s one season with Baltimore in 2014 coincided with the team’s best single season record since 1997. It was, in very large part, because of Cruz.
His 2014 campaign saw Cruz reach the 40-home-run mark for the first time in his career, while also being the first time he led the league in home runs. He also netted 100+ RBIs for the first time (108), set his single season record in extra-base hits with 74 and finished with an OPS+ of 137.
This effort landed Cruz his second All-Star appearance and his second highest spot in MVP voting at seventh.
Cruz delivered one of the most iconic Oriole moments in recent history during the postseason.
Going into game three of the 2014 ALDS, the Orioles and their fans were riding high. The team was ahead two games to none, and they had pulled off two of the most exciting victories in Orioles’ history already in that series, two victories in which Cruz was very instrumental.
Game three was much more of a pitchers duel than the first two. David Price was on the mound for the Tigers, who had always been an Oriole killer since his early days in Tampa Bay.
With the game still tied at zero in the sixth inning, with Jones on base, Cruz sent a ball over the right field wall in Comerica Park. This put the Orioles ahead for good, but what was so iconic is what happened next.
Miguel Cabrera, who admittedly is one of the best ever, made sure everyone knew how highly he thought of his team, and how lowly he thought of that Orioles team going into that series. So, while rounding first base after that series-clinching home run, Cruz made sure to lay down a Bryce Harper level stare at Cabrera.
After that 2014 season, re-signing Cruz should have been the number one priority. However, Orioles’ ownership did not agree. That is all that will be said on the matter.
After his time in orange and black, Cruz played another nine seasons, split between the Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.
After it all, Cruz will be remembered as one of the most feared hitters of the last two decades. On top of that, he will also be remembered simply as one of the better human beings to have the privilege of playing baseball.
Baseball won’t be the same without Nelson “Nelly” Cruz. From all of Birdland, enjoy your retirement, Nelson. You’ve earned it.
This article was brought to you by Playbook Products – Orioles coaster sets, T-shirts and more!
Calling all Orioles fans! Dive into the rich history of Baltimore baseball with Playbook’s Orioles collection! Relive iconic moments, from World Series victories to legendary plays! With more than 12,000 five-star reviews – they’re perfect for game day gatherings or as a great gift for fellow fans!
Order yours today, and bring the magic of Camden Yards home! Use code BaltimoreBattery at checkout to get 20% off your order!
Represent The Baltimore Battery and show off your fandom with our official merchandise! Reasonably-priced attire made just for you! Visit our official shop site by clicking here!
Like Justin’s content? Follow him on X – @orioles4life96
THE BALTIMORE BATTERY 
Leave a comment