History of Nelson Cruz in Timeline

Nelson Cruz, nicknamed "Boomstick", is a Dominican-American former professional baseball player. He played as a designated hitter and right fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, and San Diego Padres. A seven-time All-Star, Cruz was known for his powerful hitting, earning him four Silver Slugger Awards and two Edgar Martínez Awards. He is highly regarded for his offensive prowess throughout his career.

1928: Historic Postseason Home Runs

In 1928, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig hit three home runs each in the World Series. This was the only other instance before 2010 of two teammates achieving this feat.

July 1, 1980: Nelson Cruz Born

Nelson Cruz was born on July 1, 1980, in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Dominican Republic.

1992: Dean Palmer's Home Run Streak

Dean Palmer hit home runs in each of the first three games of the 1992 season for the Texas Rangers.

February 17, 1998: Signs with Mets

Nelson Cruz officially signed with the New York Mets organization on February 17, 1998.

1998: Signs with New York Mets

Nelson Cruz signed with the New York Mets organization as a non-drafted free agent in 1998.

August 30, 2000: Traded to Athletics

The New York Mets traded Nelson Cruz to the Oakland Athletics on August 30, 2000.

2000: Chad Curtis's Upper Deck Home Run

In 2000, Chad Curtis hit a home run into the upper deck in right field at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

2001: Plays for AZL Athletics

Nelson Cruz played for the AZL Athletics during the 2001 season.

2003: Plays for Kane County Cougars

Nelson Cruz played for the Kane County Cougars in 2003.

December 16, 2004: Traded to Brewers

On December 16, 2004, Nelson Cruz was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.

2004: Plays in Multiple Minor Leagues

In 2004, Nelson Cruz played for the Modesto A's, Midland RockHounds, and Sacramento River Cats.

September 17, 2005: MLB Debut with Brewers

Nelson Cruz made his Major League debut with the Milwaukee Brewers on September 17, 2005.

2005: MLB Debut

Nelson Cruz made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2005.

2005: Plays for Huntsville Stars and Nashville Sounds

Nelson Cruz played for the Huntsville Stars and Nashville Sounds in 2005.

July 28, 2006: Traded to Texas Rangers

The Milwaukee Brewers traded Nelson Cruz to the Texas Rangers on July 28, 2006.

September 4, 2006: Inside-the-Park Home Run

On September 4, 2006, Nelson Cruz hit an inside-the-park home run against the Oakland Athletics.

2006: Plays for Nashville Sounds

Nelson Cruz played for the Nashville Sounds in 2006.

2007: Strong Spring Training Finish

Nelson Cruz finished spring training in 2007 strongly, hitting three home runs in the final week.

August 25, 2008: Contract Purchased by Rangers

The Texas Rangers purchased Nelson Cruz's contract from the Oklahoma RedHawks on August 25, 2008.

2009: Breakthrough Season

In 2009, Nelson Cruz had a breakout year, hitting 33 home runs for the Texas Rangers and earning his first All-Star selection.

2009: All-Star Selection and Home Run Derby

In 2009, Nelson Cruz was selected as an All-Star and participated in the Home Run Derby, finishing second.

2010: Three Home Runs in ALDS

Nelson Cruz hit three home runs in the 2010 ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays.

2010: First World Series Appearance

Nelson Cruz played in his first World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2010.

October 10, 2011: Walk-off Grand Slam and ALCS Game 2 Victory

On October 10, 2011, Nelson Cruz hit a walk-off grand slam in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers, making history as the first player to achieve this in a postseason game.

November 2011: Gastrointestinal Infection Diagnosis

Between November 2011 and January 2012, Nelson Cruz suffered from an undiagnosed gastrointestinal infection.

2011: ALCS MVP

In 2011, Nelson Cruz was named the Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series.

2011: Early Season Home Run Streak

Nelson Cruz hit home runs in each of the first four games of the 2011 season.

January 2012: Gastrointestinal Infection Diagnosis

Between November 2011 and January 2012, Nelson Cruz suffered from an undiagnosed gastrointestinal infection.

September 2012: Donation to Las Matas de Santa Cruz

In September 2012, Nelson Cruz donated $20,000 to purchase a firetruck and two ambulances for his hometown of Las Matas de Santa Cruz.

2012: Previous RBI High

In 2012, Nelson Cruz set his previous career-high in RBIs with 90.

January 2013: Biogenesis Scandal Links and Suspension

In January 2013, Cruz was linked to the Biogenesis scandal for buying performance-enhancing drugs.

August 5, 2013: Biogenesis Scandal Suspension

On August 5, 2013, Nelson Cruz was suspended for 50 games by MLB for his connection to the Biogenesis scandal.

2013: Free Agency and PED Suspension Impact

Cruz became a free agent in 2013 after declining a qualifying offer from the Rangers. His recent PED suspension made it difficult for him to find a new team.

February 24, 2014: Signing with the Baltimore Orioles

On February 24, 2014, Nelson Cruz signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, where he wore #23.

September 7, 2014: 100 RBIs and Career High

On September 7, 2014, Cruz achieved his 100th RBI of the season, surpassing his previous high of 90 set in 2012. He hit two home runs and had 7 RBIs in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

December 4, 2014: Signing with the Seattle Mariners

On December 4, 2014, Cruz signed a four-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.

2014: Postseason Home Runs and Free Agency

In the 2014 ALDS, Cruz hit two home runs, moving up in the all-time postseason home run list. He declared free agency after rejecting a qualifying offer from the Orioles.

2014: Home Run Leader

Nelson Cruz led the major leagues with 40 home runs in 2014 while playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

2015: All-Star Selection, Silver Slugger Award, and Career-High Home Runs

In 2015, Cruz was named an All-Star for the fourth time, won his first Silver Slugger Award, hit a career-high 44 home runs, and finished 6th in AL MVP voting.

2016: High Exit Velocity and Home Runs

In 2016, Cruz hit 43 home runs, his batted balls had the highest average exit velocity in MLB, and he hit the second-longest home run of the season.

2017: 300th Home Run, RBI Leader, and Edgar Martínez Award

In 2017, Cruz hit his 300th career home run, led the AL in RBIs, and won the Edgar Martínez Award.

2017: RBI Leader

In 2017, Nelson Cruz led the American League with 119 RBIs.

2018: All-Star Game and Free Agency

Cruz was named to the 2018 All-Star Game and became a free agent after the season.

January 2, 2019: Signing with the Minnesota Twins

On January 2, 2019, Cruz signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.

September 22, 2019: 400th Career Home Run and Silver Slugger Award

On September 22, 2019, Cruz hit his 400th career home run. He also won his third Silver Slugger Award and the Edgar Martínez Award for the second time.