Every week after asserting his retirement as a Main League participant and after finishing a tour of the 5 LIDOM stadiums with the Gigantes del Cibao to say goodbye to the followers in his native Dominican Republic, Nelson Cruz made a ultimate and emotional cease in his residence ballpark, Estadio Julian Javier in San Francisco de Macorís, on Wednesday night time.
The night time started with a ceremony previous to a recreation through which the slugger went 0-for-3 with a stroll within the Gigantes’ 5-2 loss to the Tigres del Licey. However the spotlight got here after the sport was over, when a teary Cruz took the microphone after a second tribute.
“Thanks for making today so particular for me,” the 43-year-old stated in Spanish whereas standing on the mound. “The reality is, God has given me greater than I deserve and greater than I dreamed of. And also you, with this gesture of affection in the direction of me … it has been an unimaginable night time. Actually, thanks, thanks. Thanks, San Francisco.”
Given the scale of the group on the ballpark and the variety of individuals surrounding him, it was apparent that the gratitude was extensively reciprocated.
Along with his household and Gigantes teammates, together with former MLB pitcher Fernando Rodney, Cruz was additionally accompanied by one of many many gamers he mentored throughout his profession: two-time batting champion Luis Arraez. The 2 had been teammates in Minnesota from 2019-21.
Cruz, who hit 464 residence runs throughout 19 MLB seasons whereas incomes the memorable “Boomstick” nickname, noticed motion in 5 video games throughout his farewell tour round his nation. And it wasn’t only for present: He hit .308 (4-for-13) with two walks, two RBIs and one run.
Cruz completed his Main League profession with a .274 batting common and 1,325 RBIs. He made his huge league debut with the Brewers in 2005 earlier than being traded to the Rangers, the place he made a reputation for himself along with his energy and manufacturing from 2006-13. He additionally performed for the Orioles, Mariners, Twins, Rays, Nationals and Padres.