#GoingToBat Community Spotlight: Nelson Cruz
To read this story in Spanish, click here.
Nelson Cruz, a native of Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Dominican Republic, is an international superstar. Some of his best work, however, is not on a baseball diamond, but away from the spotlight supporting causes close to his heart.
Most recently, Cruz’s philanthropic work was highlighted during a New York City event at the Parilla Latina, where Senator Adriano Espaillat presented Cruz with a proclamation from the New York State Senate.
The event, titled Boomstick & Friends, helped spread the message of “how a model of solidarity and charitable donations can help break a cycle of poverty.” The first-ever Boomstick Scholarship was also presented at the event, and awarded to Diana Antigua, a student from the Bronx.
Mariners teammates Robinson Cano, Leonys Martin, Joel Peralta and the team’s third base coach Manny Acta attended the event to support Cruz and his philanthropic endeavors.
“I always have to thank my parents for teaching me the importance of getting an education and helping out my community,” Cruz said.
In 2015, Cruz became a spokesperson for Aids for Aids and their initiative, “Un Batazo Contra El VIH” (A Hit Against HIV).
Earlier this year, Cruz donated wheelchairs and other orthopedic necessities to his hometown in the Dominican Republic. He also coordinated the donation of firefighting equipment from the Seattle Fire Department to be shipped to firefighters in his Dominican Republic hometown.
The four-time All-Star is not only changing the game of baseball, but changing the lives of others in the process.
Major Leaguers are #GoingToBat for causes near and dear to them, as they personify the Players Trust’s motto to ‘care, act and inspire.’ To learn more about the charitable interests and activities of Nelson Cruz and other Major Leaguers, please click here.
