Julio Cruz of the Seattle Mariners has passed away.

sunshine11 · 02-24-22, 12:31 AM

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Former Seattle Mariners and Chicago White Sox infielder Julio Cruz dies at age 67
1:25 PM PT
Associated Press
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SEATTLE -- Julio Cruz, an original Seattle Mariners player from their inaugural season who later became a Spanish-language broadcaster for the franchise, has died, the team announced Wednesday. He was 67.

Cruz died Tuesday at his home, according to a statement from his family. Cruz played for Seattle and the Chicago White Sox during his career.

"Julio shared his kindness and humor graciously, and we know he is beloved in the baseball community and beyond," the family said in their statement.

Cruz, a switch-hitting second baseman, played 10 seasons total in the majors. He played parts of seven seasons with the Mariners, beginning with their inaugural year in 1977. Cruz made his debut with Seattle on July 4, 1977, after being selected from the California Angels organization during the expansion draft.

Cruz had served as part of the Mariners' Spanish-language broadcasts since 2003.

Julio Cruz throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mariners-White Sox game in Chicago on April 7, 2013. He died Tuesday at his home, according to a statement from his family. AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File
"Julio chose to make his home and raise his family here," said Randy Adamack, Seattle's senior vice president and special adviser to the chairman and CEO. "He's been closely associated with our club for over 25 years, one of the longest relationships of any player in our history."

Cruz was traded to the White Sox during the 1983 season and spent the final 3½ years of his career playing in Chicago. White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said Cruz was the catalyst for Chicago's run to the AL West title in 1983.

"He had electric ability as a player but was such a big part of those teams because of his personality," White Sox manager Tony La Russa said. "He was a caring guy and because of that had an emotional connection with his teammates on and off the field. Most of us had kept in pretty regular contact with him over the years, but this is a very sad day. He was much too young to leave us, and he will be missed."

Cruz is survived by his wife, Mojgan, sons Austin, Alexander and Jourdan and their families.

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Little progress toward collective bargaining agreement as talks continue between MLB, MLBPA
Feb 22, 2022
Jesse Rogers
ESPN Staff Writer
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JUPITER, Fla. -- Day 2 of in-person meetings Tuesday between Major League Baseball and the MLBPA once again produced little progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement while the league actually viewed the negotiations as a step back.

The union cut down on its proposal for players to enter arbitration after two years, from 80% of players to 75%, but countered that by asking for more in its minimum salary structure.

Instead of minimum salary raises of $25,000, the union asked for $30,000 each year of the deal. Since the Super 2 issue is a non-starter for the league, it viewed the combination of tweaks moving away from an agreement not toward one. The league says it doesn't have the votes to expand Super 2 beyond the 22% who enter the system currently -- so the union can ask for any amount above that but it won't get it.

Talks once again took place at Roger Dean Stadium where the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins train.

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League officials met with counterparts from the MLBPA, along with a group of players, for about three hours on Tuesday. Like Monday, the sides met together and then on their own but little came out of the negotiations. In fact, the league brought up the idea of using a federal mediator, and for the second time in two weeks, the union shot it down.

Though the competitive balance tax came up in conversations, neither side made a new proposal on that subject. To that end, it's likely to be the game-changer if one side can satisfy the other with a new idea or offer.

Tuesday's tweak to the minimum salary structure by the union produced a new model. The minimum in Year 1 would be $775,000. It would go up to $805,000 in Year 2, $835,000 in Year 3, $865,000 in Year 4 and $895,000 in Year 5 of the deal. The league is offering a starting minimum of $630,000 in 2022.

The sides will meet again on Wednesday as spring training remains on hold until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached or the owners decide to lift the lockout. A deadline to play on Opening Day is approaching.

Most involved believe players need approximately four weeks of spring training to be ready for the season.

ChuckyTheGoat · 02-24-22, 12:50 AM

RIP. Sure, I remember him. One of the best early Mariners.

sunshine11 · 02-24-22, 12:57 AM

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Julio Cruz, former Mariners, White Sox second baseman, passes away at 67
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Julio Cruz, former Mariners, White Sox second baseman, passes away at 67
10-year veteran 'loved baseball,' served as Spanish-language broadcaster
11:32 AM PST
Daniel Kramer
Daniel Kramer

@DKramer_
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SEATTLE -- On Wednesday, the Major League Baseball community mourned the passing of Julio Cruz, a member of the original Mariners club in 1977, who was later an instrumental player for the White Sox and a Spanish-language broadcaster for Seattle’s telecasts since 2003. He was 67.

Known for his wide smile and vibrant personality, Cruz was a fan favorite during his seven seasons of playing in Seattle; he had been in the team’s broadcast booth for nearly the past two decades. Cruz was acquired by the White Sox in exchange for fellow second baseman Tony Bernazard in 1983 and helped Chicago catch fire en route to a 99-win season and an American League West division title.

Cruz is survived by his wife, Mojgan, and three sons, Austin, Alexander and Jourdon, and their families.

We are saddened by the passing of original Mariner and current broadcaster Julio Cruz.

Cruz played six seasons in Seattle and has worked as a Spanish-language broadcaster since 2003.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones, including his wife, three sons and their families. �� pic.twitter.com/9zsHmxpIHl

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 23, 2022
“Julio shared his kindness and humor generously, and we know he is beloved in the baseball community and beyond,” Cruz’s family said in a statement released by the Mariners. “Our family is grateful for your well wishes and support.”

Cruz joined the Mariners’ organization via the 1976 Expansion Draft, when he was selected away from the Angels with the No. 52 pick. He went on to make his big league debut the following season and played in 742 total games in Seattle, hitting .243/.327/.307 with 17 homers and 162 RBIs. Yet Cruz was better remembered on the field for his speed. His 290 stolen bases remain the second most in franchise history; he held the top spot until Ichiro Suzuki passed him in 2008. From ’78-83, Cruz stole at least 40 bases per season.

“’Cruzer’ was an original, both as a member of our 1977 team and the rest of his life,” said Mariners senior vice president and special advisor Randy Adamack, who formerly served as the club’s historian and added Cruz to the Spanish-language broadcasts when he was a member of the team’s communications staff. "Julio chose to make his home and raise his family here. He’s been closely associated with our club for over 25 years, one of the longest relationships of any player in our history.”

Forever in our hearts. We’ll miss you, Cruzer. �� pic.twitter.com/h3ntlZM9DA

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 23, 2022
Cruz played for the White Sox through 1986 before retiring, but it was his presence on the ’83 club for which he is best remembered, especially for scoring the run that clinched the AL West title.

“He had electric ability as a player, but was such a big part of those teams because of his personality,” said White Sox manager Tony La Russa, who also oversaw the ’83 club. “He was a caring guy, and because of that had an emotional connection with his teammates on and off the field. Most of us had kept in pretty regular contact with him over the years, but this is a very sad day. He was much too young to leave us, and he will be missed.”

“Any thoughts about Julio are more about the person than the ballplayer,” said Hall of Famer Harold Baines. “He was a great friend who ignited our team in 1983. That’s why we won. I remember he used to jump from the dugout floor up to the top step before each game. That was four or five steps, an athletic feat! But ultimately, it is his friendship that I will miss most.”

“You couldn’t find a more energetic guy,” said Ron Kittle, who won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1983. “He was unique in many ways, but always full of energy. Julio, 'Juice,' got along with everybody and loved baseball.”

The White Sox have lost Cruz, pitcher LaMarr Hoyt and general manager Roland Hemond from that team in the past few months.

“I can see it now -- he’s sitting next to LaMarr Hoyt, and LaMarr’s telling Julio to sit still!” Kittle said.

Beyond the booth and field, Cruz remained deeply involved in youth baseball and other community causes, including Toys for Kids, and breast and prostate cancer awareness. In 2016, he was recognized as the Mariners’ first SEAT 21 honoree; the award was created by Major League Baseball to recognize community members.

RIP Julio. So many good memories of him stealing 2nd base.

sunshine11 · 02-24-22, 12:59 AM

Originally posted by ChuckyTheGoat

RIP. Sure, I remember him. One of the best early Mariners.

Yeah. You must be around my age. I'm 56.

ChuckyTheGoat · 02-24-22, 01:09 AM

Originally posted by sunshine11

Yeah. You must be around my age. I'm 56.

I started early. But I remember the Mariners.

I was a Milwaukee guy. So, link to Seattle by claiming the Pilots.

I believe the Blue/Yellow color scheme was very similar. Tying back to the Pilot days.

Heard an interview with Selig. The deal that got the Pilots to Milwaukee was completed just weeks b4 start of the 1970 season.

Floyd Bannister was better than people think. Mark Langston was a great Mariner.

Loved the later Mariner teams. Buhner was a personal favorite.

The 2001 Mariners were an awesome team. Maybe the best team ever to NOT make the World Series.

Mr KLC · 02-24-22, 10:24 PM

Thrilla · 02-24-22, 10:55 PM

R.I.P. sir

johnnyvegas13 · 02-24-22, 10:56 PM

Who ?????

rip

sunshine11 · 02-25-22, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by johnnyvegas13

Who ?????

rip

He was speedy on the bases. I was there opening night in 1977 his first game. Great memories.

sunshine11 · 02-25-22, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by Mr KLC

I didn't know how to post pics. Thanks.

DrunkHorseplayer · 02-25-22, 12:49 AM

Originally posted by sunshine11

He was speedy on the bases. I was there opening night in 1977 his first game. Great memories.

He wasn't on the team opening night; Jose Baez was the starting second baseman for the first two or three weeks until the Mariners traded for him. I remember seeing him play for the Hawaii Islanders when they came to Spokane (AAA) to play. When the Mariners acquired him, I adopted him as my favorite player; I hated it when he was traded to the White sox. I remember listening to Mariners games on the radio and every time he came to the plate in the Kingdome, someone would yell Juuuuuuuuulioooooooooo loud enough to hear even on the radio. RIP Julio.

stevenash · 02-25-22, 01:01 AM

Brooklyn boy, speed demon, but reckless, way too many caught stealing.
Weak bat, .237 lifetime.

RIP, and God Bless.

sunshine11 · 02-27-22, 03:35 PM

Okay drunk. I was there opening night though. Lolol and went to the games when he was in Seattle.