Nelson Cruz has had a legendary career and there is no doubt that when his career is over, he will be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and will be a first-ballot selection.
The new Washington Nationals designated hitter is chasing milestones and reaching them, even at his advanced age.
Though Washington is not expected to be a contender in 2022, Cruz is a solid addition to a lineup that already features Juan Soto and Josh Bell, and he’s off to a good start this season.
On Sunday, during the Nationals’ game against the New York Mets, Cruz made a bit of history.
450 career home runs for Nelson Cruz! 👏
(via @mlb) pic.twitter.com/XArswhFUV0
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 10, 2022
NC Boom Stick Keeps Rolling
Cruz just doesn’t stop.
He has been doing this since coming up to the big leagues in 2005.
That imposing stance followed by an almost violent swing that usually sends home run balls deep into the upper levels of the stadium has become a staple in baseball history.
With Cruz now at 450 career home runs, the next goal is to get to 500.
There’s little reason to doubt that Cruz will get there.
He still has incredible power and is more than capable of a 40-home run season or more, and his contract with Washington includes a mutual option for the 2023 season.
Should he decide to play another year, reaching 500 career home runs will simply be a formality.
Cruz even collected the game-winning hit for the Nationals yesterday against Mets pitcher Trevor Williams, knocking in three runs as the Nationals picked up their first win of the season in their first game wearing their new City Connect uniforms.
The Boom Stick just continues to produce like he’s in his prime, even at 41.
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