Mariners Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz have more in common than a shared uniform.
You’ve known each other for years, and you’ve been teammates in MLB and the World Baseball Classic. When did you first meet?
Nelson Cruz: We met during winter ball in the Dominican Republic—
Robinson Cano: But we really started spending more time together in 2009, when we went to the WBC.
What were your first impressions of each other?
RC: In the minor leagues, [Nelson] was a lion. All he needed was a chance. Nobody wanted to pitch to that guy. He was such a strong hitter and could also hit the ball in every direction with the same strength.
NC: I first saw him in winter ball; he was playing third. I remember that he hit a liner that went over my head in right field. I said to myself, “This prospect has power.”
Nelson, how much did Robinson affect your decision to join Seattle for the 2015 season?
NC: A lot. In 2014, we were always in touch. I always told him, “Give me the inside info!”
This story is from the March 27,2017 edition of ESPN The Magazine.
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This story is from the March 27,2017 edition of ESPN The Magazine.
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