ARLINGTON, TEXAS – Nelson Cruz is one of only seven players to hit 100 home runs in what is now known as Globe Life Park, and he appeared in a couple of World Series here, too. So this weekend, his last one here before the 26-year-old stadium is mothballed when the Rangers move next door to an air-conditioned, retractable-roof home, is bringing back some fond memories.
"So many good times here. They have great fans here. The people always treated me well," the 39-year-old slugger said. "In my case, it's really special because it's where I grew as a player, as a person."
Cruz was traded to the Rangers at the 2006 trade deadline after playing just eight games for Milwaukee. The Rangers made him a regular, and within three years, he was an All-Star, beginning a career that included 101 home runs in Arlington, and now has him just eight short of 400 for his career. What does he remember about his early days in Texas?
"I was hoping to play one more day," Cruz said. "That was my goal. Be here one more day, then one more day."
He said he regrets that he won't have a chance to add to his home-run total here — "But I feel worse that I'm not able to help my team," he said — and has no plans to take any souvenirs from his home for eight seasons.
He's definitely sorry to see it go, though he understands the reason why.
"It's still in pretty good condition. It's just the heat, that's the only issue. Besides that, it's a great ballpark, it definitely is," Cruz said. "But you have to think of the fans [and] the players. The Rangers will probably be playing with fewer injuries because the heat can get to you. And the fans, you want to play for the fans but you know it's hard for them in this heat, too."
Cruz braved the heat, which reached 101 at midafternoon Friday, to take batting practice. It went well and his injured left wrist felt great, he said. "I hope to be right back" when he's eligible on Monday, Cruz said, "but we'll know more tomorrow."
