Former Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox infielder Julio Cruz dies at 67
Former Major League Baseball infielder Julio Cruz, an original member of the Seattle Mariners and later a team broadcaster, has died at the age of 67.
The team confirmed Cruz's death via social media on Tuesday.
Originally signed by the then-California Angels as an amateur free agent, the 5-foot-9, second baseman was selected by the Mariners as part of the expansion draft before their inaugural 1977 season.
While not much of a hitter – his career batting average was just .237 – Cruz was always a threat on the basepaths. He stole a career-high 59 bases in 1978 and went on to have six seasons with at least 40 steals.
Cruz played parts of seven seasons in Seattle before he was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1983 – a season in which he made his only postseason appearance of his 10-year MLB career as the White Sox lost to the Baltimore Orioles in the American League championship series.
In 2003, Cruz rejoined the Mariners as an analyst for the team's Spanish-language broadcasts, where he remained for 19 seasons.
We are saddened by the passing of original Mariner and current broadcaster Julio Cruz.
Cruz played six seasons in Seattle and has worked as a Spanish-language broadcaster since 2003.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones, including his wife, three sons and their families. 💙 pic.twitter.com/9zsHmxpIHl— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 23, 2022
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Julio Cruz, former Mariners and White Sox second baseman, dies at 67
