Nelson Cruz is probably the best signing the Seattle Mariners have made in free company. So it’s solely becoming that he has determined to retire as a member of the group.
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The 43-year-old Cruz performed 49 video games final season with the San Diego Padres, then announced after the season his intention to retire from his skilled baseball enjoying profession.
It was identified that Cruz would throw out the ceremonial first pitch earlier than the Mariners’ opening day game in opposition to the Boston Red Sox at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Thursday night time. What was a shock, nevertheless, was that a desk was introduced out, permitting Cruz to sign a one-day contract and officialy retire as a Mariner.
A Mariner for all times.
We’ve signed @ncboomstick23 to a one-day contract, and he’ll retire as a Seattle Mariner. pic.twitter.com/kWLASY4hKE
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 29, 2024
“I have always identified myself with the Seattle Mariners,” Cruz mentioned. “When I was playing here, I felt comfortable playing the game.”
Pretty cool transfer by the Mariners and the “Boomstick,” who hit 163 of his 464 profession MLB home runs during his four seasons in Mariners uniform – more than he hit with any of the seven different groups he performed for. Yes, even more than he had with the Texas Rangers, who he hit 157 homers for over eight seasons.
Watch all of it unfold within the video right here.
Nelson Cruz se retira de #LasMayores como Marinero. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/sqyb6E8W8n
— LasMayores (@LasMayores) March 29, 2024
Cruz initially joined the Mariners for the 2015 season, during which he hit 44 home runs and made the fourth of his seven profession All-Star Games. He had 43 homers in 2016 with Seattle, then earned two more All-Star nods with the M’s in 2017 and 2018.
Cruz additionally received the primary two of his 4 profession Silver Slugger awards during his Mariners tenure.
Cruz started his MLB profession all the way in which back in 2005 with a temporary stint with the Milwaukee Brewers, then went on to Texas, the place he made two All-Star groups, received the 2011 ALCS MVP award and performed in a World Series. He had one large season with Baltimore in 2014 (during which he led MLB in homers) earlier than coming to Seattle, then spent 2 1/2 seasons with Minnesota, a half-season with Tampa, and one with the Washington Nationals.
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