The coaching staff of new Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch continues to develop with the team’s latest hire, which was announced minutes ago.
The Tigers have hired 12-year MLB veteran Jose Cruz Jr. as their new assistant hitting coach.
The #Tigers have added José Cruz Jr. to the coaching staff in the role of Major League Coach, focusing on hitting instruction.
— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) December 9, 2020
“He was widely respected as a player both on and off the field, and spending his entire life around the game has built a great ability to connect with both young and veteran players,” Hinch said in a statement.
During his career, Cruz Jr. suited up for nine different teams. He earned the honor of being named MPV of the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2001 MLB Season, and also earned a Gold Glove while with the San Francisco Giants in 2003. He had since worked as an analyst for ESPN (Baseball Tonight) and MLB.com.
One key fact of note – Cruz Jr.’s son Trei was Detroit’s 3rd round selection out of Rice in the 2020 MLB Draft.
– – Quotes via Cody Stavenhagen Link – –
