40 Facts About Oneil Cruz

Early Life and Background

Oneil Cruz, a rising star in Major League Baseball, has a fascinating background that shaped his journey to the big leagues. Here are some intriguing facts about his early life and background.

1. Born in the Dominican Republic: Oneil Cruz was born on October 4, 1998, in Nizao, a small town in the Dominican Republic.

2. Named After Paul O'Neill: His father named him after former MLB player Paul O'Neill, hoping his son would follow in his footsteps.

3. Family of Athletes: Cruz comes from a family of athletes. His father, Rafael Cruz, played professional baseball in the Dominican Republic.

4. Started Playing Baseball at Age 6: Oneil began playing baseball at the tender age of six, showing early signs of his talent.

5. Trained in Local Baseball Academies: He honed his skills in local baseball academies, which are common in the Dominican Republic for developing young talent.

Professional Career Beginnings

Oneil Cruz's professional career began with a bang, and his journey through the minor leagues is nothing short of impressive.

6. Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers: Cruz signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent in 2015.

7. Traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates: In 2017, Cruz was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a deal that sent Tony Watson to the Dodgers.

8. Made His Minor League Debut in 2016: He made his minor league debut with the DSL Dodgers 1 in 2016.

9. First Professional Home Run: Cruz hit his first professional home run in 2016 while playing for the DSL Dodgers.

10. Promoted to Class A in 2017: He was promoted to Class A in 2017, playing for the West Virginia Power.

Rise Through the Minor Leagues

Cruz's journey through the minor leagues showcased his incredible talent and potential as a future MLB star.

11. Named to the All-Star Futures Game: In 2019, Cruz was named to the All-Star Futures Game, highlighting his status as a top prospect.

12. Impressive Batting Average: During his time in the minors, Cruz maintained an impressive batting average, often hovering around .300.

13. Power Hitter: Known for his power, Cruz consistently hit home runs and extra-base hits throughout his minor league career.

14. Speed on the Bases: Besides his power, Cruz also showcased his speed, stealing numerous bases each season.

15. Defensive Skills: His defensive skills at shortstop were also highly regarded, making him a well-rounded player.

Major League Debut

Oneil Cruz's debut in Major League Baseball marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.

16. MLB Debut in 2021: Cruz made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates on October 2, 2021.

17. First MLB Hit: In his debut game, Cruz recorded his first MLB hit, a single against the Cincinnati Reds.

18. First MLB Home Run: He hit his first MLB home run on October 3, 2021, in just his second game.

19. Tallest Shortstop in MLB History: Standing at 6'7", Cruz is the tallest shortstop in MLB history.

20. Versatile Player: Besides shortstop, Cruz has also played in the outfield, showcasing his versatility.

Notable Achievements and Records

Cruz has already achieved several notable milestones and set records in his young career.

21. Hit a 118.2 MPH Home Run: Cruz hit a home run with an exit velocity of 118.2 mph, one of the hardest-hit balls in MLB history.

22. Fastest Throw by an Infielder: He recorded the fastest throw by an infielder at 97.8 mph.

23. Named Pirates' Minor League Player of the Year: In 2019, Cruz was named the Pittsburgh Pirates' Minor League Player of the Year.

24. Top Prospect Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top prospects in baseball, Cruz has been featured in MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list.

25. Multiple Minor League All-Star Selections: Cruz has been selected as a minor league All-Star multiple times throughout his career.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of baseball, Oneil Cruz has a life filled with interesting hobbies and personal interests.

26. Loves Playing Video Games: Cruz enjoys playing video games in his free time, particularly MLB The Show.

27. Passionate About Music: He has a passion for music and often listens to reggaeton and bachata.

28. Community Involvement: Cruz is actively involved in community service, often participating in charity events in the Dominican Republic.

29. Close-Knit Family: He maintains a close relationship with his family, who have been supportive throughout his career.

30. Favorite MLB Player: His favorite MLB player growing up was Alex Rodriguez, who also played shortstop.

Future Prospects

The future looks bright for Oneil Cruz, with many predicting a stellar career ahead.

31. Potential All-Star: Many analysts believe Cruz has the potential to become an MLB All-Star in the near future.

32. Possible MVP Candidate: With his combination of power, speed, and defensive skills, Cruz could be an MVP candidate.

33. Long-Term Contract Potential: The Pirates may look to sign Cruz to a long-term contract to secure his talents for years to come.

34. Fan Favorite: Cruz's exciting style of play has already made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.

35. Role Model for Young Players: As a successful player from the Dominican Republic, Cruz serves as a role model for young aspiring baseball players.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Oneil Cruz that add to his unique persona.

36. Nickname "The Giant": Due to his towering height, teammates and fans often call him "The Giant."

37. Loves Dominican Cuisine: Cruz enjoys traditional Dominican dishes like mangu and sancocho.

38. Superstitious Rituals: He has a few superstitious rituals, including wearing the same socks during a hitting streak.

39. Favorite Movie: His favorite movie is "The Sandlot," a classic baseball film.

40. Dream Car: Cruz dreams of owning a Lamborghini someday.

Oneil Cruz: A Rising Star

Oneil Cruz has captured the attention of baseball fans with his impressive skills and unique background. From his record-breaking throws to his towering height, Cruz stands out on and off the field. His journey from the Dominican Republic to the Major Leagues is a testament to his dedication and talent. As he continues to develop, fans eagerly anticipate what he'll achieve next. Whether it's his powerful batting or incredible speed, Cruz is a player to watch. His story inspires many young athletes dreaming of making it big. Keep an eye on Oneil Cruz; his career is just getting started, and the future looks bright for this talented shortstop.