Nelson Cruz Retires After 19 MLB Seasons

Nelson Cruz Retires After 19 MLB Seasons

It was pretty obvious that the wheels were starting to fall off. Nelson Cruz will go down as one of the greatest pure-hitting DHs ever. However, we have now seen the last of him at the MLB level. After 19 seasons in the show, Nelson Cruz will officially hang up the cleats. Cheers to a hell of a career.

Cruz revealed on the Adam Jones Podcast that he plans to retire after the Dominican Winter League season concludes. The Dominican Winter League will serve as a last hurrah for Cruz.

So this is the last we’re seeing of Nelson Cruz?” Jones asked.

Said Cruz: “I think so, yeah.”

Nelson Cruz Is Finally Falling Victim to Father Time

Cruz, 43, put up some crazy numbers during his playing career. The right-handed slugger played in 2,055 regular season games and hit 464 home runs during that time. The crazy part is Cruz was a really late bloomer. He never hit double digit home runs in a season until 2009 when he was 28. An odd story when you think about the trajectory of his career.

During his career, Cruz suited up for the Brewers, Rangers, Orioles, Mariners, Twins, Rays, Nationals and Padres. Cruz most notably put up his gaudy numbers with the Rangers, Orioles, and Mariners.

He also was among 13 players banned by Major League Baseball after they were connected to Biogenesis of America. Cruz received a 50 game suspension in 2013. That was so long ago that people often forget he was on that list.

Either way, a hell of a career. One that should be remembered fondly.

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