VIDEO: Ageless Nelson Cruz Whacks Home Run No. 400 for His Career
By Michael Luciano
At the age of 39, Nelson Cruz is putting together one of the best seasons of his career, hitting over .300 with 40 home runs and 105 RBIs in just 116 games. Cruz, who has hit 37 or more home runs in every season since 2014, hit homer No. 400 of his illustrious career Sunday, and it extended the Minnesota Twins' lead over the Kansas City Royals.
400 for his career and 40 for the season.
— MLB (@MLB) September 22, 2019
1 big swing for @ncboomstick23.
(MLB x @BudweiserUSA) pic.twitter.com/RAwoPkgWxk
Cruz, much like Yankees slugger Edwin Encarnacion, has made a living as a DH, mashing 40+ home run season without all the typical trappings of stardom. Rather than latch on with a veteran's minimum deal like many his age, Cruz is a vital member of a Twins team looking towards the World Series.
At the end of spring training, Nelson Cruz told me he planned to hit his 400th HR this season because he had a charity idea this winter (meaning he needed to hit 40 this year)...he also told me to plan on playing October baseball at Target Field.
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) September 22, 2019
His word seems good.#MNTwins
If Cruz continues to hit like this as he approaches his 40s, don't be surprised if the voters in Cooperstown start to take a long, hard look at his resume one day.