Cruz part of World Series champs

Erik Cruz holds the American Legion World Series championship trophy after their game against Nebraska in the finals last week in Shelby, North Carolina. (Contributed Photo)

Erik Cruz, a former Saipan Little League standout, has been making waves in the youth baseball scene in Nevada and was even a member of the Nevada Henderson Post 40 champion squad in the recently concluded American Legion World Series.

Henderson City defeated Nebraska Omaha Post, 2-1, in the finals last Aug. 15 in Shelby, North Carolina despite the squad finishing second to their opponents after only winning one game in the three matches they played in pool play.

Henderson joined Nebraska, Massachusetts, and Michigan in the Stripes bracket, while Arkansas, North Carolina, Idaho, and New Jersey are the teams in the Stars group.

Nevada, Massachusetts, and Michigan ended up tied with similar 1-2 slates in the group stage, but the former earned the semis berth based on the tiebreak. Nevada then faced Arkansas as the top seed in their group with North Carolina in second place.

Nevada hacked out a 7-3 decision against Arkansas to earn the first finals berth, while Nebraska defeated North Carolina, 3-1, to advance to the title game.

Nevada was humbled by Nebraska, 9-1, in their opening game while beating Massachusetts, 1-0, next and closed out the pool play with a 0-1 loss to Michigan.

Cruz, in an email to the Saipan Tribune, said he used to play in the Saipan Little League since he was 11 years old. “I started playing for the Comets and made it to the Saipan All Star team twice.”

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was 11 because all my brothers and Dad played the sport. I continued playing baseball while in high school when I moved to Henderson City in Nevada,” added Cruz.

He played for the Basic Academy of International Studies Wolves and the Southern Nevada Blue Sox, which has won the state championship twice before clinching the ALWS national title last week.

Cruz is set to continue his baseball career with the Pima Community College Aztecs in Tucson, Arizona, which plays in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference in Region I of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

He said that his main goal is to make it to the Major League and become a professional baseball player. “I enjoy the sport very much and with the love and support from family I know I can do it.”

“This one is for my Dad [the late Estevan R. Cruz Sr.]. I know he is always by my side and guiding me through the sport that we both love.”

Cruz and the entire team were also awarded with the Key to the City by Henderson City Mayor Debra March when they were recognized last week.

Joan Kiyoshi, who acts as Cruz’s guardian, said that his cousin loves playing baseball and that even when he’s hurting he won’t mention it. “He never misses a practice because if he does he can’t play and he hates not playing.”

“His coach believes he is a tremendous player and could one day make it to the MLB. My family and I are here to support him in his career and hope that he makes his dreams come true.”

Kiyoshi added that their entire family wishes Cruz the best of luck when he begins the next step of his baseball career in Arizona.

Grace Saures, another cousin of Cruz, said he and his brothers grew up playing baseball with their dad and loved every game played by his sons. “He [Estevan] is now watching from above and is probably proud of [Erik].”

“My family in Henderson has been supporting Erik and his dream of one day playing in the MLB. It has not been easy but we’re working together to find solutions and make sure he makes it to every game played in different states,” added Saures.

She said that their family is not rich. “But with the love and support, we can make it happen. He has even pulled weeds, cleaned backyards, and trimmed trees to have enough money for baseball trips to California, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.”

“He worked hard to be where he is at and I cannot be more proud of him. We love you Erik and we want him to just keep reaching for the stars.”

Justo Cruz, Erik’s uncle, has also looked out after his nephew. “Your dad died when you were still young and I told him that I would look after you guys and I have been. I am very proud of you and all your achievements.”