TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/2/2022 | Received: 6/13/2022 | 11 Days
- ’98 Upper Deck Black Diamond, ’99 Upper Deck UD Choice, ’03 Fleer
- Address: Rice University (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 11/28/2022 | Received: 12/15/2022 | 17 Days
- ’98 Topps, ’03 Fleer, ’05 Topps
- Address: Rice University (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 12/19/2024 | Received: 1/16/2025 | 27 Days
- ’98 Score, ’98 Fleer Ultra, ’01 Topps, ’02 Topps
- Address: Rice University (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Baseball has long been a family tradition, with generations of players carrying on the legacy of those before them. Jose Cruz Jr., the son of former Houston Astros star Jose Cruz, carved out his own successful career in Major League Baseball. Known for his combination of power, speed, and defense, Cruz Jr. played for multiple teams over 12 seasons, making a lasting impact as a versatile outfielder.
Jose Luis Cruz Jr. was born on April 19, 1974, in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, but grew up in the baseball-rich environment of Texas, where his father was a fan favorite with the Astros. Following in his father’s footsteps, Cruz Jr. developed into a standout player and attended Rice University, where he became one of the best college baseball players in the country. At Rice, Cruz Jr. was a three-time All-American and set school records with his offensive production. His combination of power, speed, and plate discipline made him a top prospect heading into the 1995 MLB Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Seattle Mariners.
Cruz Jr. made his MLB debut on May 31, 1997, with the Mariners, but his time in Seattle was short-lived. After just 49 games, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Mike Timlin and Paul Spoljaric. The move to Toronto allowed Cruz Jr. to flourish. In 2001 he had his best all-around season, he hit 34 home runs, drove in 88 RBI, and stole 32 bases, showcasing his dynamic skill set. That performance put him on the map as one of the game’s rising young stars.
Cruz Jr. remained a key part of the Blue Jays’ lineup from 1997 to 2002, consistently providing power and solid defense in the outfield. However, his offensive production fluctuated, and after the 2002 season, he left Toronto via free agency.
After his tenure in Toronto, Cruz Jr. became a journeyman, playing for several teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros. Though he never replicated his 1998 numbers, he remained a valuable veteran presence known for his outfield defense and occasional power.
One of his most notable achievements came in 2003, when he won a Gold Glove Award while playing for the Giants, recognizing his elite defensive abilities in the outfield.
Cruz Jr. played his final MLB game in 2008, finishing his career with 204 home runs, 624 RBI, 113 stolen bases, and a .247 batting average over 1,388 games.
Following his playing career, Cruz Jr. transitioned into coaching and broadcasting. He worked as an analyst for the MLB Network and later joined the Detroit Tigers’ front office as an assistant general manager in 2021. In 2022, Cruz Jr. returned to his alma mater, Rice University, where he became the head coach of the Rice Owls baseball team. His deep knowledge of the game and experience at both the college and professional levels made him a valuable mentor for young players.
While Jose Cruz Jr. may not have reached the level of his father, he built a respected 12-year MLB career, highlighted by his power-hitting ability, Gold Glove defense, and leadership. His journey from a college superstar to a major league standout and now a coach keeps the Cruz baseball legacy alive for future generations. For fans who watched baseball in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Cruz Jr. was a player who could change a game with his bat, glove, or legs, making him one of the more exciting and well-rounded outfielders of his era.
The Score on Jose Cruz, Jr. – 7.5
Jose is another new guy for me that I have found to be a very reliable signer. On top of that, he has a great signature. I think the size of his signature is one of the best parts too. The 1999 UD Choice card might be my favorite of all these. The autograph is so clean on that one.
Thanks Mr. Cruz! I’m giving this return a 7.5.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.