Jose Cruz Jr.
From BR Bullpen
Jose Luis Cruz (Jr.) (Cheíto)
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
- School Rice University
- Debut May 31, 1997
- Born April 19, 1974 in Arroyo, Puerto Rico
[edit] Biographical Information
"Cruz played with my son side-by-side all the way through. And I’d say Jose was, he was I’d say average up until his junior year. But his junior year it was like somebody hit a light switch, like a bolt of lightning hit him and he just exploded." - former major leaguer Jerry Davanon, talking about Cruz's development as a youth and playing with Jerry's son Jeff Davanon then
Jose Cruz, Jr. has played 12 seasons in the big leagues through 2008. Almost exclusively an outfielder, he has hit 204 home runs in those 12 seasons.
He is the son of Jose Cruz, nephew of Tommy Cruz and Hector Cruz, brother of Jose E. Cruz and Cousin of Cirilo Cruz. His nickname "Cheito" (little Cheo) presumably comes from being the son of Jose, whose nickname has been "Cheo".
Jay Buhner, Roberto Kelly, and Alvaro Espinoza all played with both Jose Cruzes.
He played for the Santurce Crabbers and the Ponce Lions of the Puerto Rico Winter Baseball League.
Though known as a good fielder, Cruz dropped a flyball off the bat of Jeff Conine, leading off the bottom of the 11th in Game 3 of the NLDS in 2003, with the Giants having taken the lead, 3-2, in the top half of the inning.
Cruz was traded away by the Mariners, who were in dire need of bullpen help, to the Toronto Blue Jays on July 31, 1997. The deal was criticized by M's fans at the time, as Cruz was seen as the left fielder of the future and had just secured the every day job, but the Mariners received Paul Spoljaric and Mike Timlin in return.
- Set 15 records while at Rice University
- Three time All-American at Rice
- While at high school, led team to #1 national ranking in 1992
- Mariners Minor League Player of the Year, 1996
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1997 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- NL Gold Glove Winner (2003)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 5 (1997, 2000, 2001, 2003 & 2004)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 2 (2000 & 2001)
