Ivan Cruz
From BR Bullpen
Luis Ivan Cruz
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 3", Weight 210 lb.
- School Jacksonville University
- Debut July 18, 1997
- Final Game September 27, 2002
- Born May 3, 1968 in Fajardo, P.R.
[edit] Biographical Information
Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 28th round (730th overall) of the 1989 amateur draft.
- 1995 - Southern League All-Star DH Jacksonville Suns
- 1996 - International League All-Star 1B Columbus Yankees
- 2002 - Pacific Coast League All-Star DH Memphis Redbirds
Ivan Cruz was a slugging first baseman who had the misfortune of being stuck behind Cecil Fielder when he played in the Tigers organization, behind Tino Martinez when he played in the Yankees organization and behind Albert Pujols when he played in the Cardinals organization. His best chance to play on a semi regular basis in the majors was in 1999 with the Pirates. Unfortunately, after only 5 games of pinch hitting and backing up Kevin Young at first base, injuries sent Ivan to the disabled list. Overall, Ivan had cups of coffee with 3 major league teams and had 5 hits for each one of the three teams. He also played professional baseball in Mexico and for the Hanshin Tigers and Chunichi Dragons in Japan, slugging 25 home runs in parts of 2 seasons overseas.
