Julio Cruz (baseball player)
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| Julio Cruz | ||
|---|---|---|
| Second Baseman | ||
| Born: December 2, 1954 | ||
| Batted: Both | Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | ||
| July 4, 1977 for the Seattle Mariners |
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| Final game | ||
| August 31, 1986 for the Chicago White Sox |
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| Career statistics | ||
| Batting average | .237 | |
| Hits | 916 | |
| SBs | 343 | |
| Teams | ||
| Career highlights and awards | ||
|
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Julio Luis Cruz (born December 2, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York, United States), is a former professional baseball player who played second base in the Major Leagues from 1977-1986.
Although a lifetime .237 hitter with little power, Cruz had excellent speed. 6 years in a row with the Seattle Mariners, from 1978 through 1983, he stole over 40 bases each season and was the team's all-time leader in that statistic. His record of 290 was surpassed by Ichiro Suzuki, whose two stolen bases in a game against the Padres on May 18, 2008, gave him a total of 292. Cruz was traded to the Chicago White Sox on June 15, 1983 for fellow second baseman Tony Bernazard. After the trade, the White Sox caught fire, winning 99 games and the divisional pennant. "Juice" Cruz was a key spark plug on that team. However, after 1983, his performance tailed off.
[edit] Nickname
Julio was known as Julio "won't you let me take you on a sea" Cruz, by ESPN's Chris Berman
Julio was known as (and still answers to) "the Cruzer" (cruiser) due to his special talent in stealing bases.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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