Former Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox second baseman Julio Cruz has died after a long battle with prostate center. He was 67.
Cruz’s family said through the Mariners that he died peacefully at home on Tuesday.
“Julio shared his kindness and humor generously, and we know he is beloved in the baseball community and beyond,” the family said.
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 23, 2022
Cruz stole more than 40 bases in six straight seasons during his career and had 343 overall. He compiled 290 in six-plus seasons (1977-83) in Seattle and stands second in franchise history behind legendary Ichiro Suzuki (438).
Cruz finished in the top four in the American League in steals in all six of those campaigns.
The switch-hitting Cruz batted .237 with 23 homers and 279 RBIs over 10 big league seasons. He played for the White Sox from 1983-86.
Seattle tabbed Cruz in the 1976 expansion draft from the then-California Angels. He became one of the franchise’s first fan favorites and returned in 2003 for the first of 19 seasons as part of the team’s Spanish language broadcasts.
“Julio chose to make his home and raise his family here,” said Randy Adamack, a senior vice president for the Mariners. “He’s been closely associated with our club for over 25 years, one of the longest relationships of any player in our history.”
Cruz is survived by his wife and three sons.
–Field Level Media