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160. Jose Cruz

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160. Jose Cruz
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: August 8, 1947 in Arroyo, P.R.
  • Weight: 170 lbs.
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Bats: L
  • Throws: L
  • Debut: September 19, 1970
  • Final Game: July 19, 1988
  • Silver Slugger - 1983
  • Silver Slugger - 1984
  • TSN All-Star - 1984
  • MVP - 1980
  • MVP - 1981
  • MVP - 1983
  • MVP - 1984
  • MVP - 1985
 
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In the late 1970s, and early 1980s, the Houston Astros had put together a good team, but they did not see a lot of National attention, as they had never won anything of note before.  Those who were paying attention to Houston couldn’t take their eyes off their Puerto Rican Outfielder, Jose Cruz.

Cruz played his first five seasons in St. Louis, but he never had a 100 Hit year playing for the Cards.  A trade to Houston in 1975changed his fortunes and Cruz was their starting Leftfielder from 1976 to 1986.  With the Astros, Cruz was a two-time All-Star, and he showed a sweet combination of hitting, power, speed, and defensive skill.

Cruz would have five .300 seasons, and while his 165 career Home Runs is not head-turning, it is more than respectable.  He would have seven 20 Stolen Base years, and while he never won a Gold Glove, Cruz had three top-ten finishes in Total Zone Runs, and he was in the top two among National League Leftfielders in that stat in seven different seasons.  The MVP voters knew that Cruz was very good, as he was third in balloting in 1980, sixth in 1983, and eighth in 1984.

After one final season in 1988 as a New York Yankee, Cruz retired with 2,251 Hits and 288 Stolen Bases.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Arroyo, Puerto Rico
  • Eligible In: Saturday, 01 January 1994
  • Position: Outfield
  • Played For: Houston Astros, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    World Series Rings (None) 
    All-Star (2) (1980 & 1985)
    Silver Slugger (2) (NL) (1983 & 1984)
    Most Hits (1) (NL) (1983)
    Most Sacrifice Flies (2) (NL) (1977 & 1984)
    Most Putouts by a Leftfielder (5) (NL) (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 & 1984)
    Most Double Plays Turned by a Leftfielder (3) (NL) (1976, 1981 & 1987)
    Most Double Plays Turned by a Centerfielder (1) (NL) (1972)
    Most Double Plays Turned by an Outfielder (1) (NL) (1972)
    Most Total Zone Runs by a Leftfielder (2) (NL) (1981 & 1986)
    Highest Range Factor per Game by a Leftfielder (3) (NL) (1976, 1981 & 1982)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a Leftfielder (1) (NL) (1986)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten MVP Finishes: 
    (NL: 1980, 3rd), (NL: 1983, 6th) & (NL: 1984, 8th
    3 Top Ten Finishes (bWAR for Position Players)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Offensive bWAR)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Batting Average)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (On Base Percentage)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Slugging Percentage)
    2 Top Ten Finishes (OPS)                             
    3 Top Ten Finishes (OPS+)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Runs Scored)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Hits)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Total Bases)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Doubles)
    4 Top Ten Finishes (Triples)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Home Runs)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Runs Batted In)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Walks) 
    4 Top Ten Finishes (Stolen Bases)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Singles)
    1 Top Ten Finish (Extra Base Hits)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Power-Speed #)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Win Probability Added)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Championship Win Probability Added)
    3 Top Ten Finishes (Total Zone Runs)

  • Notable All Time Rankings:

    9.   Total Zone Runs by a Leftfielder: 65
    25. Putouts by a Leftfielder: 2,773
    35. Total Zone Runs by an Outfielder: 78
    44. Double Plays Turned by a Leftfielder: 17
    47. Assists by a Leftfielder: 89
    59. Range Factor per Game by a Leftfielder: 2.03
    66. Intentional Walks: 142
    73. Power-Speed #: 217.0
    87. Total Zone Runs by a Rightfielder: 18
    89. Sacrifice Flies: 82
    98. Total Zone Runs: 77

  • Vote Percentage Received for the Hall of Fame:

    1994: 0.4%

  • Should be Inducted As A: Houston Astro

Should Jose Cruz be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 100%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 0%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
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