Julio Cruz – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Julio Cruz, a speedy second baseman who played in Major League Baseball from 1977 to 1986, carved out a unique niche in the sport with his base-stealing and defensive skills. Born Julio Louis Cruz in Brooklyn, New York, he made his mark with the Seattle Mariners, becoming one of the franchise’s most reliable players in those early years.

Cruz retired after the 1986 season, ending a ten-year career with both the Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox. He left a legacy built on speed and defense, not power hitting. His .237 career batting average and 23 home runs might look modest, but Cruz’s impact went way beyond those stats.

He went from a multi-sport athlete at Redlands High School in California to the big leagues, showing just how important specialized skills can be in baseball. Let’s take a look at Cruz’s journey as a player, his base-stealing feats, his crucial role in the White Sox’s 1983 playoff run, and the influence he had on his teams.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Julio Luis Cruz was born on December 2, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York. He moved to California as a teenager and really started developing his baseball skills there.

His baseball story began with street games in Brooklyn, then took off at Redlands High School, where he became the first alumnus to ever play in the majors.

Family Background and Upbringing

Cruz came into the world in Brooklyn on December 2, 1954. He spent his early years in the city before his family moved to California when he was 14.

That move would change everything for him. As they left Brooklyn, the family drove past Yankee Stadium, and young Julio made a promise to himself.

“I remember the day we left (Brooklyn, to live in California, age 14), we passed by Yankee Stadium and I said to myself, ‘The next time I come to New York, I’m going to play in that stadium,'” Cruz said years later. That moment really sparked his professional baseball dreams.

California gave Cruz new chances to grow as a player. The weather was better for playing all year, and there were more organized youth baseball programs—huge advantages for a young athlete.

High School Achievements in California

Cruz attended Redlands High School in Redlands, California, and quickly made a name for himself on the baseball team. Scouts and college recruiters started to notice his talent.

During his high school years, Cruz honed the skills that eventually got him noticed by pro teams. His speed and defense stood out early.

When he debuted in the majors on July 4, 1977, Cruz reached a milestone. He became the first Redlands High School alumnus to play in Major League Baseball, and his old school took a lot of pride in that.

Redlands, with its small-town vibe, gave Cruz a strong foundation for higher-level baseball. His success in high school led to college opportunities and got the attention of professional scouts.

Transition from Stickball to Organized Baseball

Cruz started out playing informal street games in Brooklyn. When he moved to California, he had to adjust to organized baseball, which meant better coaching and facilities.

That environment helped him sharpen his skills. He learned advanced techniques and probably developed his switch-hitting ability during these years.

His speed and knack for stealing bases became more obvious with real training. Youth leagues in California gave him plenty of competition and chances to show off his talents.

Those experiences set him up for the challenges of college and, eventually, professional baseball.

Path to Professional Scouting

After graduating from Redlands High, Cruz went to San Bernardino Valley College to keep playing baseball. The junior college route in California often leads to bigger opportunities.

The California Angels signed him as an amateur free agent in 1974, but Cruz decided to focus on college first.

Going to college showed that Cruz valued education and wanted to keep improving as a player. Junior college baseball gave him more experience against good competition.

Scouts kept an eye on him during his college years. His speed, defense, and switch-hitting made him a solid prospect for teams looking for middle infielders.

MLB Debut and Seattle Mariners Years

Julio Cruz made his MLB debut on July 4, 1977, with the Seattle Mariners at age 22. He was the first Redlands High School player to make it to the majors and spent most of his career in Seattle until 1983.

Selection in the Expansion Draft

The Seattle Mariners picked Cruz for their first-ever roster in 1977. He joined the team during its inaugural American League season.

The California Angels originally signed Cruz as an amateur free agent in 1974. He chose college before the Mariners drafted him.

Cruz made his MLB debut on July 4, 1977, against the Chicago White Sox. He went 2-for-3 in that first game, giving the expansion team a glimpse of his potential.

Role as Second Baseman

Cruz became the Mariners’ main second baseman from 1977 through 1983. He played the position almost every day.

His offense was never flashy. He finished with a .237 batting average, 23 home runs, and 279 RBIs in his MLB career.

But what he lacked in power, he made up for in speed. Cruz earned a reputation for stealing bases and creating chaos on the basepaths.

Fielding Skills and Performance

Cruz built a name for himself as a reliable defender at second base. His glove work made him valuable, even if his bat didn’t always impress.

His speed helped him cover a lot of ground in the infield. He turned double plays with quick hands and good instincts.

Cruz’s defense helped steady the Mariners’ infield during those early, sometimes rocky years. He gave the team consistency at second base as they worked on building the rest of their roster.

Becoming a Fan Favorite in Seattle

Fans in Seattle started calling him “the Cruzer” because of his base-stealing. From 1978 to 1983, he stole over 40 bases every season—six years in a row.

Cruz set the franchise record with 290 stolen bases, a mark that stood for decades. Ichiro Suzuki finally broke it on May 18, 2008, with his 292nd steal.

Seattle fans loved Cruz’s hustle and speed. His aggressive style and steady play made him a favorite during the Mariners’ early years.

He also connected with Seattle’s Hispanic community. Cruz helped the Mariners build a more diverse fan base right from the start.

Trade to Chicago White Sox and Final Seasons

On June 15, 1983, the Seattle Mariners traded Julio Cruz to the Chicago White Sox for second baseman Tony Bernazard. This mid-season trade ended up being a big deal for Chicago’s playoff run, even though Cruz’s performance dipped before he retired in 1986.

Mid-Season Trade Details

The Chicago White Sox picked up Cruz on June 15, 1983, sending Tony Bernazard to Seattle. Chicago needed more speed and energy in the infield, and Cruz fit the bill.

Cruz had played six seasons with the Mariners before the trade. The White Sox believed he could help push them into the playoffs. Teams often look for that extra boost at the trade deadline.

For Chicago, the timing couldn’t have been better. The team was gaining momentum and chasing its first division title in years. Cruz’s speed and defense at 2B made him a perfect addition.

Contribution to the White Sox

Cruz immediately gave Chicago a spark. White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf called him the catalyst for their 1983 AL West title run. The team caught fire after he arrived and ended up with 99 wins.

His energy and personality lifted the whole clubhouse. AL Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle talked about how Cruz’s presence changed the team vibe.

Cruz’s defense and base-stealing threat changed how the White Sox played. He gave them the speed they needed for a championship push. In the 1983 ALCS, his on-base percentage was .467—clutch when it mattered most.

Key Games and Postseason Appearances

Cruz played a big role in Chicago’s 1983 playoff run. He got on base nearly half the time in the ALCS against the Orioles, but the White Sox lost the series.

His last couple of seasons weren’t as strong. By 1985 and 1986, Cruz saw less playing time and dealt with injuries, especially to his legs.

He made his final MLB appearance on August 31, 1985, coming in as a late-inning defensive replacement in a 3-1 win. In 1986, he played 81 games, hit .215, and then decided to retire. That closed out his 10-year big league career.

Career Statistics and Accomplishments

Julio Cruz put up modest offensive numbers during his 10 seasons in MLB from 1977 to 1986. He finished with a .237 batting average, 23 home runs, and 279 RBIs in 1,156 games. But his real claim to fame was as a base stealer, racking up 343 career stolen bases.

Batting Average and Hitting Records

Cruz never really hit for average. His best season was 1979, when he batted .271 for the Mariners.

He ended up with a .237 career average, getting 916 hits in 3,859 at-bats. Not exactly eye-popping numbers, but he found other ways to contribute.

In 1979, Cruz also posted a .363 on-base percentage. He collected 112 hits and scored 70 runs in 107 games that year.

He walked 478 times and struck out 508 times, which actually shows decent plate discipline for his era.

Home Runs and RBI

Power wasn’t Cruz’s thing. He hit just 23 home runs in his entire 10-year career.

His best home run season came in 1982, when he hit eight for Seattle. That year, he also drove in a career-high 49 runs.

Cruz finished with 279 RBIs, averaging about 39 per 162 games. Most seasons, he drove in somewhere between 15 and 50 runs.

He brought more value with his speed and ability to get on base than with driving in runs. His .299 career slugging percentage pretty much tells the story about his lack of power.

Stolen Bases Leadership

Speed was Cruz’s real weapon. He stole 343 bases and got caught just 78 times.

His top season for steals was 1978, when he swiped 59 for Seattle. In 1979, he stole 49, and in 1983, he stole 57.

On average, he stole 48 bases per 162 games. His 81.5% success rate shows he picked his spots well and had great timing.

During his best years with the Mariners, Cruz led the American League in stolen bases. Pitchers and catchers always had to keep an eye on him.

Playing Style, Positions, and Versatility

Julio Cruz built his career on speed, defense, and flexibility at different positions. He could switch-hit and played a reliable infield, making him a valuable utility guy when teams needed options.

Defensive Prowess at Second Base

Cruz earned a reputation as a fundamentally sound second baseman. He had great range and quick hands, which helped him turn double plays.

His defensive reliability made him valuable for both the Mariners and White Sox. Cruz didn’t always make flashy plays, but he handled routine grounders and line drives with steady hands.

The 2b spot fit his athletic build and quick reflexes. Playing basketball at Redlands High probably helped his footwork around the bag.

Cruz’s consistency in the field helped settle the infield for both teams. He read hitters well and positioned himself smartly, cutting down on errors and getting outs efficiently.

Switch-Hitting Technique

Julio Cruz turned himself into a capable switch-hitter, able to bat from both sides of the plate. Managers loved this versatility, since it meant more options against different pitching matchups.

From the left side, Cruz made better contact and could work the count pretty well. When he hit right-handed, he generated a bit more power, though he still stuck to his usual approach at the plate.

The switch-hitting skill really paid off during his time with the White Sox in 1983. Cruz tweaked his stance and timing to use his speed, no matter which side he batted from.

He finished with a .237 career batting average, which fit his role as a contact hitter, not a power guy. Switch-hitting kept him valuable, letting him face a wider range of pitchers and stick around longer in the majors.

Appearance as DH, SS, PR, and PH

Cruz sometimes filled in at other spots besides his main job as a second baseman. Teams used him as a designated hitter when they wanted his bat but didn’t need him in the field.

He became a dangerous pinch runner (pr) in tight late-game situations. Cruz stole 343 bases in his career, so he could definitely change a game with his speed.

The shortstop (ss) position opened up for him when teams needed to shuffle things due to injuries or matchups. Since he already knew the middle infield, Cruz handled ss pretty smoothly.

As a pinch hitter (ph), he gave teams extra switch-hitting depth off the bench. Facing different pitchers didn’t faze him, so managers trusted him in those moments.

Legacy, Retirement, and Life After Baseball

Julio Cruz made a lasting impact on baseball, both as a player and later as a broadcaster. He retired from playing in 1986 after a decade in the big leagues.

After baseball, he jumped into community involvement and enjoyed a successful broadcasting career with the Seattle Mariners until he passed away in 2022.

Influence on Teammates and the Sport

Cruz earned a reputation as a skilled second baseman, known for his defense and base-stealing prowess. That switch-hitting ability made him even more valuable to both the Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox.

He joined the Mariners for their very first season in 1977, helping set the tone for the brand-new franchise. Teammates and opponents respected his steady play and leadership.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Cruz’s base-stealing stood out. He read pitchers well and always seemed like a threat to swipe a bag.

People around the league admired Cruz for his professionalism and dedication. He played ten seasons, showing the kind of consistency and work ethic younger players could look up to.

Retirement in 1986

Cruz wrapped up his Major League career with the Chicago White Sox in 1986. That marked the end of a ten-year run that started with the Mariners back in 1977.

He spent important years with both teams. With the Mariners from 1977 to 1983, he helped build the team’s early identity in the American League.

Moving to the White Sox in 1983 brought new challenges and chances. Cruz played three seasons there before hanging up his cleats in 1986.

Leaving the game wasn’t easy. Like a lot of athletes, Cruz had to figure out what came next after dedicating his adult life to baseball.

Post-Retirement Career and Community Involvement

After his playing days, Cruz found a new path as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Seattle Mariners. He started in 2003, using his baseball smarts and bilingual skills to connect with the team’s Hispanic fans.

He stayed in that role for nearly twenty years, keeping close to the game and the Mariners organization. Cruz’s commentary drew from his own playing days and gave fans inside info.

His family often mentioned his kindness and sense of humor, traits that made him popular in baseball circles. Fans and colleagues appreciated his gracious attitude throughout his new career.

As a broadcaster, Cruz worked hard to make baseball more accessible for Spanish-speaking audiences. That helped the sport reach more people and made the Seattle baseball community feel a bit more inclusive.

Death and Tributes

Julio Cruz died on February 22, 2022, at age 67 after fighting cancer. People across the baseball world shared tributes, remembering what he brought to the game and to their lives.

Fans and players in Major League Baseball felt the loss deeply. Folks in Seattle, especially, recalled him as an original Mariners player and a voice they trusted in the broadcast booth.

The Mariners honored his impact and the mark he left on their team. You could tell he meant a lot to them.

Julio Luis Cruz was born on December 2, 1954, in Brooklyn. For almost five decades, he poured his energy into baseball.

He started as an amateur free agent and eventually became a respected broadcaster. That path really showed how much he loved the sport.

People in baseball circles still talk about his character and the way he got involved in the community. His story lives on in the memories of those who knew him and the fans who cheered for him.