Nelson Cruz inducted into Oklahoma City Triple-A Baseball Hall of Fame

Former Major League Baseball player Nelson Cruz has been inducted into the Oklahoma City Triple-A Baseball Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, where Cruz was joined by his family.

Cruz played parts of four seasons with the Oklahoma City franchise between 2007 and 2010 while the team was affiliated with the Texas Rangers. During his 155 games with the club, he hit 52 home runs and drove in 148 runs. His 2008 season was particularly notable, during which he batted .342 with 37 home runs, 99 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases, earning him the Pacific Coast League MVP award. His 37 home runs remain a single-season record for Oklahoma City during the Bricktown Ballpark era.

Following his time in the minor leagues, Cruz enjoyed a 19-season career in the Major Leagues, accumulating 2,053 hits and 464 home runs. He was a seven-time All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger winner. Cruz is the first Latino to be recognized by the Oklahoma City Triple-A Baseball Hall of Fame since its reactivation in 2023.