If not with the bat, with his positive attitude and leadership he has several ways to contribute to the Rays game and adds the necessary experience in the postseason.
“I am happy to play alongside him. I consider it a future Hall of Fame. He can help me a lot, because he’s been in the majors for a long time, ”the rising star declared in July. Wander franco shortly after the acquisition of Nelson Cruz by the Rays.
43 wins in 66 games since the acquisition of Cruz by the Florida team contributed to their best regular season ever with 100 wins for the first time in the franchise, surpassing 97 in the 2008 season.
The 41-year-old native of Las Matas de Santa Cruz has been able to stay productive with his bat and is in the middle of a postseason that may be historic for the Rays.
Nelson Cruz put it … Yes, on the roof 🤯👌🏼pic.twitter.com/nMoCihZiO3
– ESPN.com.do🇩🇴 (@ESPN_DO) October 8, 2021
On Thursday, in addition to contributing to the victory of his team, Nelson Cruz tied none other than Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson and Jose Altuve for sixth all-time in home runs in the postseason with 18.
In addition, the Dominican became the second oldest player to hit a home run in the postseason only behind his compatriot, Julio Franco who connected two at age 43 in 2001.
Cruz has had a productive 2021 season with 32 homers and 86 RBIs combined with the Minnesota Twins and Rays. Only 27 players hit more home runs than the Dominican in the majors and 46 drove in more runs.
At the beginning of this season Nelson Cruz declared that the idea of retirement does not cross his mind and with all that he has shown to date, with a postseason ahead, that thought must be far from panamorama. He contributes with his bat and contributes his experience and leadership.
With his # 18 home run on #postseason, Nelson Cruz equaled Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson and José Altuve for sixth place all time. #MLBDominicana pic.twitter.com/WKsUSU53GI
– MLB Dominicana (@MLBDominicana) October 8, 2021
“I have no idea. I don’t pay attention to the statistics. I just go out and playCruz said at the end of the first game of the Division Series against the Red Sox when asked what was special about Tropicana Field, where 11 years ago he hit his first home run in the postseason.
And it is precisely that. Just getting out there and playing is what Nelson Cruz has to keep doing for a few more seasons if his physique allows it.
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