Henry Cruz
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| Henry Cruz | |
|---|---|
| Outfielder | |
| Batted: Left | Threw: Left |
| MLB debut | |
| April 18, 1975 for the Los Angeles Dodgers |
|
| Final game | |
| July 30, 1978 for the Chicago White Sox |
|
| Career statistics | |
| Batting average | .280 |
| Home runs | 8 |
| RBI | 34 |
| Teams | |
|
|
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
none |
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Henry (Acosta) Cruz (born February 27, 1952 in Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands) is a former Major League Baseball Outfielder who currently works as the hitting coach for the Minor League Baseball team, the Inland Empire 66ers.
Cruz was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers on January 1, 1971. He made his major league debut, as a pinch hitter, on April 18, 1975 against the San Francisco Giants. He recorded his first hit on April 20 against the Giants.
Played parts of the 1975 and 1976 seasons with the Dodgers. Was released by the team near the end of the 1977 season despite hitting .353 for the AAA Albuquerque Dukes, possibly because of behavioral problems. [1]
Signed by the Chicago White Sox in September, he played 16 games for the Sox in 77 and another 53 games in 1978. Remained in the Sox minor league system through 1980 when he was picked up off waivers by the Detroit Tigers.
Retired after playing for the Evansville Triplets in 1981.
He was also one of the most consistent hitters for the Arecibo Wolves in the Puerto Rico Winter Baseball League during this period.
Spent 10 seasons as a scout for the Cleveland Indians following his playing days.
In 2007, the Dodgers hired him to be the hitting instructor for Class-A Ogden Raptors. He was moved to the Inland Empire 66ers in 2008.
[edit] References
- ^ "Twice Around the Bases" book by Kevin Kennedy
