Nelson Cruz signs one-day contract to retire with Mariners

SEATTLE — Nelson Cruz completed with his duties throwing out the ceremonial first pitch earlier than the Seattle Mariners opened the season in opposition to the Boston Red Sox and walked over to just a little stand arrange behind residence plate.

There, he signed a ceremonial one-day contract permitting Cruz to retire as a member of the Mariners group earlier than Thursday night time’s season opener.

Cruz introduced his retirement following final season. He spent components of 19 seasons within the majors with eight totally different organizations. His longest stint was eight seasons with Texas early in his profession.

But Cruz had 4 influential and impactful seasons in Seattle from 2015 to 2018. He was a three-time All-Star in Seattle, led the league with 119 RBIs in 2017 and hit 163 homers in his 4 seasons — greater than he hit in components of eight season with Texas.

Cruz mentioned a particular connection with Seattle is why he determined to have his retirement related with the Mariners.

“I always identified myself as a Mariner, even though I played more years as a Ranger,” Cruz mentioned.

Cruz completed his profession with 464 residence runs, a .274 batting common and 1,325 RBIs. He appeared in 49 video games final season with San Diego in his ultimate yr.