Julio Cruz, former Mariners, White Sox second baseman, passes away at 67

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.

“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.”

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 who embody Roberto Clemente’s humanitarian spirit.