Tony Cruz

Tony Cruz may refer to:

Tony Cruz (baseball)

Arnoldi Anthony "Tony" Cruz (August 18, 1986) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 26th round of the 2007 MLB Draft and he made his MLB debut four years later. Cruz was a member of the Cardinals 2011 World Series champion team.

Career

St. Louis Cardinals

From Palm Beach State College and Middle Georgia College, Cruz was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 26th round (802nd overall) of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft. In five seasons and 400 minor league games, he batted .266 with 96 doubles, 37 home runs and 221 runs batted in (RBI). He appeared in 231 games at catcher and 133 at third base.

On May 23, 2011, the Cardinals called Cruz up for the first time to the major leagues when they placed Gerald Laird on the 15-day disabled list (DL) with a right index finger fracture. The next day, he made his major league debut as a starter. He collected three hits in five at bats with two singles and a double. He was optioned back to the minors on August 12, 2011. He was later recalled when the Cardinals made the postseason. Cruz served as the third-string catcher during the postseason and eventually won the 2011 World Series with the Cardinals.