Nelson Cruz, the seasoned slugger, wrapped up his ceremonial duties by tossing the first pitch at the Seattle Mariners’ season opener against the Boston Red Sox. Following this, he approached a small stand behind home plate, where he signed a symbolic one-day contract, officially retiring as a member of the Mariners organization.
Cruz, who announced his retirement after the previous season, enjoyed a storied career spanning 19 seasons across eight MLB teams. Despite his lengthy tenure with the Texas Rangers, where he spent eight fruitful seasons, Cruz’s impact in Seattle during his four-year stint from 2015 to 2018 was profound. Garnering three All-Star selections as a Mariner, he showcased his prowess by leading the league with 119 RBIs in 2017 and launching 163 home runs throughout his tenure—more than his tally during his time with the Rangers.
The Mariners are signing Nelson Cruz … to a one-day contract, allowing him to retire as a Mariner. pic.twitter.com/PnsAX5FjOQ
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 29, 2024
Reflecting on his decision to associate his retirement with the Mariners, Cruz expressed a deep-seated connection with the team despite his longer tenure with the Rangers. “I always identified myself as a Mariner, even though I played more years as a Ranger,” Cruz remarked, underscoring the special bond he forged with the Seattle franchise.
Cruz left an indelible mark on the game with an impressive career stat line boasting 464 home runs, a .274 batting average, and 1,325 RBIs. His final season saw him don the San Diego Padres uniform, appearing in 49 games before bidding farewell to the diamond.
