Veteran slugger Nelson Cruz has announced his retirement from professional baseball after 19 seasons.
Cruz made the announcement on The Adam Jones Podcast on Thursday, saying he will retire after playing five winter ball games in his native Dominican Republic to close out his career.
“I always said before I retired I was going to play here,” Cruz said. “I’m going to go to each stadium and give the Dominican fans a chance to play me one more time.”
Cruz retires from MLB after a decorated career that includes seven all-star appearances, four Silver Slugger awards and the 2011 ALCS MVP with the Texas Rangers. The 43-year-old finished his career with 464 home runs — sixth-most among Dominican players — as well as 1,325 RBI and a .856 OPS.
Cruz made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2005 and also played for the Rangers, Orioles, Mariners, Twins, Rays, Nationals and Padres. Last season he made 49 appearances for the Padres but was released in early July.
“It’s been 25 years without stopping,” Cruz said. “I’ve been blessed to stay healthy, to play so many years without major injuries, that’s something you have to be grateful (for).”
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