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Lee Cruz
Lee Cruz 2012
Long Island Ducks – No. 25
Left fielder/DH/First baseman
Born: (1983-06-13) June 13, 1983 (age 41)
Dade City, Florida
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
debut
June 8, 2006, for the Great Falls White Sox
Career statistics
(through 2012)
Batting average.297
Home runs95
Runs batted in452
  Minor leagues
  Independent leagues
Career highlights and awards

Lee Cruz (born June 13, 1983, in Dade City, Florida) is a former American professonal baseball player who last played as an outfielder with the Long Island Ducks. Cruz has played in spring training with a major league, many different minor and independent league teams over his career, reaching as high as Triple-A. He attended Pasco-Hernando State College. While at Pasco-Hernando State College he was named to the NJCAA [1] [2] Baseball Team and to the 2003 First-Team Suncoast Conference [3] and NJCAA Baseball Team 2003 First-Team All State [4]. Cruz transferred in 2005 to University of Tampa [5] where he played baseball and was named the 2006 Division II College World Series MVP.[6] also earned ABCA First Team Rawlings NCAA Division II All-America Team [7]Player of the Year honors [8] that season and broke the school’s record for career home runs, which was previously held by former Yankee Tino Martinez, with 26. [9]. His career at the University of Tampa was one of the most successful for a player. Cruz still holds many records for the school, as of July 2019, third all time batted .441 first all time with 78 runs scored, first all time with104 hits, second all time with 18 double. He is second all time at-bats with 236, fourth all the walks with 20, first all time with 26 home run, first all time with 97 runs batted in (RBIs). He was first all time in total bases with 204. Cruz on-base percentage was first all time OBP was .483% with third all time slugging percentage of .864%.[10]Cruz was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent on June 7, 2006. [11]. His professional career began in 2006 with the Great Falls White Sox of the rookie-level Pioneer League. In the White Sox organization, he played with six different teams from 2006 to 2010. He was selected by Baseball America as the Best Pure Hitter and Best Late-Round Pick among the team’s draft class. [12].

Amateur career

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Cruz began his collegiate career with Pasco-Hernando State College. While at Pasco-Hernando State College he was named to the NJCAA [13] [14] Baseball Team and to the 2003 First-Team Suncoast Conference [15] and NJCAA Baseball Team 2003 First-Team All State. Cruz transferred in 2005 to University of Tampa[16] where he played baseball and was named the 2006 Division II College World Series MVP[17], First Team All American and First Team South Region.[18] He also earned Division II Player of the Year honors that season and broke the school’s record for career home runs, which was previously held by former Yankee Tino Martinez, with 26. [19] [20] While attending University of Tampa, Cruz was selected in the 10th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft by the Chicago White Sox, and was signed [21]. The University of Tampa baseball program has produced a total of 93 selections in the MLB Draft, including 73 under current head coach Joe Urso. Since the 2006 campaign, which Cruz was MVP of the NCAA Division II National Championship Series[22], Tampa's had 65 draft picks along with four NCAA Division II National Championships. [23] [24] Cruz two years stats at University of Tampa had a batted .381 with 121 runs scored, 180 hits, 28 double, 4 triple, 43 home run, 168 runs batted in (RBIs) and 13 stolen bases in 117 games played. His on-base percentage OBP was .425% with a slugging percentage of .736%. Cruz was highlighted in Sports Illustrated Faces in the Crowd on June 25, 2006 for his outstanding Senior Year at University of Tampa. [25]

Professional career

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Chicago White Sox organization (2006–2010)

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After completing his 2006 season with University of Tampa, Cruz was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent. In 2006, he played at four different levels of the White Sox minor league organization. First with the rookie-level Great Falls White Sox of the Pioneer.

Great Falls White Sox (2006)

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Cruz played for Great Falls White Sox from June 20, 2006 to September 5, 2006 with a batted .301 with 38 runs scored, 81 hits, 17 double, 6 triple, 5 home run, 39 runs batted in (RBIs) and 1 stolen bases in 69 games played. He ranked fourth in the Pioneer League[26] in triples. He led the team in hits and at-bats (269) and ranked second in runs (38), total bases (125), RBIs and slugging percentage (.465). [27] He ranked fourth among Chicago White Sox [28] farmhands in average and sixth in slugging percentage. Cruz went 30-for-76 (.395) with runners in scoring position. In 2007 Tabbed by Baseball America. [29] as the Best Pure Hitter, Best Late-Round Pick and Best Professional Debut among the White Sox [30] 2006 draft class. On defense, Cruz played all of his 64 games in the outfield, committing 10 errors, 13 assists and 71 putouts. His [[fielding percentage{baseball) fielding percentage]] was .894%.

Kannapolis Intimidators (2007)

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Cruz was assigned to the Kannapolis Intimidators Classification ‘A’ team of the South Atlantic League [31] for the 2007 season, from April 5, 2007 to September 3, 2007, with a batted .277 with 55 runs scored, 115 hits, 31 double, 5 triple, 10 home run, 56 runs batted in (RBIs) and 3 stolen bases in 108 games played. His on-base percentage OBP was .756%. [32] On defense, Cruz played all of his 108 games in the outfield, committing 7 errors, 7 assists and 137 putouts. His [[fielding percentage{baseball) fielding percentage]] was .954%.

Winston-Salem Warthogs (2008)

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Cruz was promoted to the Winston-Salem Warthogs ‘Advanced A’ Classification team of the Carolina League [33]for the 2008 Season. Playing for Winston-Salem from April 9, 2008 to June 15, 2008. Cruz batted .196 with 22 runs scored, 38 hits, 16 double, one triple, 2home run, 22 runs batted in (RBIs) and 11 stolen bases in 56 games played. On defense, played all of his 56 games in the outfield, committing 3 errors, and 52 putouts. His fielding percentage was .946%. [34] [35]

Kannapolis Intimidators, second assignment (2008)

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Cruz was returned to the Kannapolis Intimidators from June 19, 2008 to June 23, 2008 for 5 games. During this short tenure he batted .050 with 3 runs scored, 1 hits, one double, no triple, no [home run]], 3 runs batted in (RBIs) and 1 stolen bases in 5 games played. On defense, played all of his 5 games in the outfield, committing no errors.. [36]

Birmingham Barons (2008)

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Cruz was promoted to the Birmingham Barons ‘AA’ Classification of the Southern League[37] from June 24, 2008 to August 30, 2008. Cruz batted .283 with eight runs scored, 13 hits, one double, one triple, one home run, four runs batted in (RBIs) and 11 stolen bases in 12 games played. On defense, played all of his 54 games in the outfield, committing no errors, seven assists and 78 putouts. [38]

Winston-Salem Dash (2009)

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Cruz was loaned to the Winston-Salem Dash ‘Advanced A’ Classification team of the Carolina League [39]for the 2009 Season. Playing for Winston-Salem from May 18, 2009 and returned to Birmingham Barons on June 16, 2009. Cruz played in 26 games played games batted .263 with 14 runs scored, 25 hits, 8 double, no triple, 3 home run, 14 runs batted in (RBIs) and no stolen bases.[40] On defense, played all of his 26 games in the outfield, committing 1 errors, and 18 putouts. His fielding percentage was .950%. [41] [42]

Birmingham Barons, second assignment (2009)

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Cruz returned to the Birmingham Barons ‘AA’ Classification of the Southern League[43] from April 11, 2009 to September 11, 2009. Cruz batted .256 with 28 runs scored, 58 hits, 18 double, no triple, 6 home run, 36 runs batted in (RBIs) and no stolen bases in 65 games played. On defense, played all of his 65 games in the outfield, committing no errors, seven assists and 54putouts. [44]

Birmingham Barons, third assignment (2010)

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Cruz returned to the Birmingham Barons ‘AA’ Classification of the Southern League[45] from April 8, 2010 to May 3, 2010. His third assignment to Birmingham Barons was for 21 games. Cruz played in 26 games played games batted .197 with 6 runs scored, 13 hits, 3 double, no triple, 1 home run, 6 runs batted in (RBIs) and no stolen bases.[46]

Houston Astros organization (2010–2011)

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Houston Astros signed free agent OF Lee Cruz to a minor league contract on June 7, 2010. [47]

Lancaster JetHawks (2010)

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Cruz signed by the Houston Astros and was assigned to the Lancaster JetHawks ‘A Advanced’ Classification of the California League on June 8, 2010 [48] Cruz played on the Lancaster JetHawks from June 8, 2010 to March 26, 2011. Cruz played in 67 games played games batted .354 with 49 runs scored, 197 hits, 21 double, 2 triple, 15 home run, 58 runs batted in (RBIs) 10 walks base on balls and 5 stolen bases.[49] Cruz was released by the Lancaster JetHawks on March 26, 2011.

Round Rock Express (2010)

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Lee Cruz assigned to Round Rock Express ‘AAA’ Classification of the Pacific Coast League from Lancaster JetHawks on June 21, 2010. Cruz played in one game and had one at bat where he hit a double.<[50] Lee Cruz re-assigned to the Lancaster JetHawks on June 24, 2010.

Baltimore Orioles (2012)

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Baltimore Orioles signed Lee Cruz on December 16, 2011 to a minor league contract. Cruz reported to 2012 spring training for the Orioles. [51] [52]

Leones de Yucatan (2012)

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Baltimore Orioles assign OF Lee Cruz to Leones de Yucatan Classification ‘AAA’ on May 26, 2012. Cruz plays for Leones de Ycatan from May 26, 2012 to June 28, 2010. Leones de Yucatan put Cruz on the reserve list June 29, 2012. Cruz played in 26 games played games batted .330 with 20 runs scored, 31 hits, 8 double, no triple, 8 home run, 27 runs batted in (RBIs) 7 walks base on balls and no stolen bases. Cruz had a OPS of 1.045.[53] [54]

Independent League Career

[edit]

Yuma Scorpians (2010)

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During the 2010 season, Cruz began his tenure in the independent league circuit, signing with the Yuma Scorpions of the Golden Baseball League. Cruz lead the league in 2010 with a .433 batting average. [55]

Amarillo Sox (2011)

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Cruz signed with the Amarillo Sox of the American Association during April, 2011. He earned American Association Player of the Year honors with the Amarillo Sox [56] after batting .344 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI, good for second in the league. Cruz was also second in the league in hits (144) while finishing first in total bases (242), double (38) and extra base hits (59). Cruz was tied for first with most games played (100). Cruz's doubles and hits totals rank second all-time in Amarillo independent baseball history. Cruz earned American Association Batter of the week for May 22, 2011. [57]

Kansas City T-Bones (2012)

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Cruz split time this 2012 season with the T-Bones and Yucatan in the Mexican League. In 70 combined games, he compiled a .345 batting average with 18 home runs, 94 RBI and 24 doubles. [58]

Long Island Ducks (2012)

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Cruz signed with the Long Island Ducks on August 28, 2012 for a last addition to assist in making the playoffs.[59]. The Long Island Ducks beat the Lancaster Barnstormers in five games to win the 2012 Atlantic League [60] Championship on October 7, 2012.[61].

Personal life

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Cruz was born on June 13, 1983, in Dade City, Florida. He has stated that he enjoys semi-pro baseball and coaching his children. [62] Cruz enjoys returning to his Alma Mater when he is visiting family in tampa. [63]> He is a very approachable baseball player and athlete. Cruz enjoys talking to fans about baseball and generally all sports.

References

[edit]
General references
  1. "Lee Cruz Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  2. "Lee Cruz Baseball Professional Baseball Player". Revolvy.com. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
Inline citations
  1. ^ "National Junior College Athletic Association". wikipedia.org. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  2. ^ "Florida College Athletics". fhsaa.org. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  3. ^ "Suncoast Conference". enwikipedia.org. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  4. ^ "NJCAA Baseball First Team All State". njcaa.org. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  5. ^ "U of Tampa Spartans". baseball-referece.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  6. ^ "2006 Division II College World Series MVP" (PDF). ncaa.org. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  7. ^ "Lee Cruz Named NCAA Division II All-American Team". abca.org. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  8. ^ "Lee Cruz Player of the Year". abca.org. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  9. ^ "Lee Cruz Breaks Tino Martinez HR Record". tampaspartans.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  10. ^ "Lee Cruz Stats". tampaspartans.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  11. ^ "10th Round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  12. ^ "Cruz Best Pure Hitter and Best Late-Round Pick". oursportscentral.com. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  13. ^ "National Junior College Athletic Association". Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  14. ^ "Florida College Athletics". fhsaa.org. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  15. ^ "Lee Cruz 2003 First-Team Suncoast Conference". Retrieved 03 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |DUPLICATE_title= ignored (help)
  16. ^ "U of Tampa Spartans". Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  17. ^ "2006 Division II College World Series MVP" (PDF). ncaa.org. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  18. ^ "2006 Division II College World Series MVP". Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  19. ^ "Lee Cruz Tampa Spartans". TampaSpartans.com. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  20. ^ "Lee Cruz Awards". TampaSpartans.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  21. ^ "10th Round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  22. ^ "2006 Division II College World Series MVP" (PDF). ncaa.org. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  23. ^ "Four Spartans Selected in 2019 MLB Draft". TampaSports.com. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  24. ^ "MLB Amateur Draft Picks who came from University of Tampa". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  25. ^ "Sports Illustrated Faces in the Crowd". si.com. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  26. ^ "Pioneer League". revolvy.com. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  27. ^ "Lee Cruz Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  28. ^ "Cruz fourth among White Sox farm hands". revolvy.com. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  29. ^ "2007 Baseball America Best Pure Hitter". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  30. ^ "Best Professional Debut". revolvy.com. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  31. ^ "South Atlantic League". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  32. ^ "Lee Cruz Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  33. ^ "Carolina League". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  34. ^ "Lee Cruz Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  35. ^ "Lee Cruz Winston-Salem Warthogs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  36. ^ "Lee Cruz Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  37. ^ "Southern League". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  38. ^ "Lee Cruz Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  39. ^ "Carolina League". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  40. ^ "Cruz Winston-Salem Dash Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  41. ^ "Lee Cruz Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  42. ^ "Lee Cruz Winston-Salem Dash". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  43. ^ "Southern League". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  44. ^ "Lee Cruz Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  45. ^ "Southern League". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  46. ^ "Birmingham Barons Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  47. ^ "Lee Cruz Signs with Houston Astros". Milb.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  48. ^ "California League". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  49. ^ "Cruz Lancaster JetHawks Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  50. ^ "Lee Cruz Round Rock Express Highlights". MiLB.com. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  51. ^ "Lee Cruz signs with Baltimore Orioles". MLB.com. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  52. ^ "Lee Cruz Balitmore Orioles". rotoworld.com. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  53. ^ "Cruz Yucatan Stats". MiLB.com. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  54. ^ "Cruz Yucatan Stats". MiLB.com. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  55. ^ "Yuma Scorpions Slugger Acquired by Astros". Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  56. ^ "Lee Cruz Player of the Year". Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  57. ^ "Amarillo Sox Leaders". Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  58. ^ "T-Bones Team History". Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  59. ^ "Ducks Acquire Lee Cruz". Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  60. ^ "Ducks win Championship". Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  61. ^ "Lee Cruz Transactions". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  62. ^ "Lee Cruz Athlete of Week". Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  63. ^ {{cite web|title=Former Spartan and Single Season All-Time HR leader Lee Cruz and his family joined us at practice today|url=https://twitter.com/UT_Baseball/status/921861654962491392%7Cwork=UT Baseball Twitter|accessdate=15 July 2019
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